Lecithin - what is it for, benefits and harms, how to take it correctly


Compound

The composition of different drugs varies depending on which pharmaceutical company produces them.
For example, VitaLine Lecithin, produced in granules, contains a natural soy-based lecithin extract. The substance is 98% composed of phosphatides , including but not limited to: linoleic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, linolenic acid, phosphatidylinositol).

One capsule of Lecithin NSP (NSP) contains 0.52 g of purified lecithin concentrate, which is obtained from soybean oil. Approximately 95-97% of the substance consists of biologically active principles - polyunsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids .

One capsule of Lecithin Nash contains 0.45 g of sunflower lecithin, as well as 0.8% monoglycerides and 0.6% moisture. The active component of the drug is produced from sunflower seeds using an original patented technology, which makes it possible to obtain a highly purified (98.6%), immunologically and environmentally safe substance.

The Doppelhertz Lecithin capsule contains 0.5 g of the active substance, as well as a complex of vitamins (including vitamins, B12, PP ).

The capsule of the drug Coral Lecithin (from the Coral Club) contains 1.2 g of liquid soy lecithin.

The best dietary supplements

It can be difficult to choose a high-quality and natural dietary supplement that has all the licenses. Let's look at a few reliable companies and their drugs:

1. Solgar Soya Lecithin Granules
Solgar is a company that produces premium quality sports nutrition. It produces soy lecithin in the form of granules: one package contains 454 grams. The composition of the drug includes fats, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The main components of lecithin - choline and inositol - are substances that are vital for ensuring proper brain .

Choline is responsible for intellectual activity, coordination of muscle contractions, and creative activity. In addition, choline promotes the formation of short-term (working) memory and its retention.

Inositol has a beneficial effect on mood, the ability to navigate in space, and behavior. The substance helps reduce nervousness and irritability and has a calming effect.

A sufficient content of lecithin in food products can reduce cholesterol in the blood and the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle , promotes blood , reduces the tone of the walls of blood vessels , improves blood pressure and blood supply to various organs and tissues .

The substance takes an active part in the regulation of lipid metabolism in the body , stimulating the breakdown of lipids into simple fatty acids . In the presence of lecithin, fats are quickly removed from the liver and enter the internal organs and fat depots.

In addition, its use accelerates the restoration of liver cells damaged by exposure to alcohol, nicotine, narcotic substances, food colorings and preservatives, and medications.

The substance plays an important role in increasing the body's defenses: it helps restore the function of lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes , due to the production of antibodies, it increases the body's resistance to diseases, stimulates the growth and activity of phagocytes .

Lecithin activates reproductive function, improves nutrition and detoxification processes, restores damaged skin cells and stimulates the formation of new ones, protects the skin from the effects of free radicals, helps normalize weight, stimulates the production of bile and prevents the formation of gallstones, prevents the development of cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse, stimulates processes of absorption of vitamins A, , K and in the digestive tract.

The beneficial properties of the substance make it indispensable for pregnant women. This is due to the fact that it takes part in the formation and normal development of the fetal nervous system and has a beneficial effect on the development of the child’s mental abilities in the future.

Indications for use

The use of Lecithin is advisable for:

  • fatty liver degeneration of various etiologies;
  • acute and chronic hepatitis;
  • liver cirrhosis;
  • hepatic coma;
  • food or drug poisoning;
  • alcoholic and radiation damage to the liver (including alcoholic polyneuritis);
  • sclerotic lesions of blood vessels (dietary supplements are indicated for use both for therapeutic and preventive purposes);
  • conditions accompanied by decreased concentration and/or performance;
  • stress;
  • psycho-emotional overload;
  • increased nervousness;
  • insomnia;
  • cardialgia;
  • overwork;
  • psoriasis;
  • neurodermatitis;
  • kidney diseases;
  • diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
  • diseases associated with aging of the body;
  • hyperlipidemia.

In addition, the medicine is prescribed to speed up recovery after serious illnesses and faster recovery after childbirth (if the woman is not breastfeeding), as well as one of the components of therapy, the purpose of which is to generally strengthen the body.

The drug can also increase the effectiveness of therapy prescribed for the treatment of women's diseases such as endometriosis , fibrocystic mastopathy , breast cancer and uterine cancer .

Instructions for use of Lecithin

In accordance with the instructions for use, Lecithin Nash and other lecithin preparations produced in capsule form should be taken in a dose of 1.05 to 2.1 grams per day. Divide it into 3 doses.

Granulated lecithin, as well as preparations that are available in powder form, take 1-2 teaspoons per day, first dissolving in water or fruit juice.

The instructions for the solution for oral use indicate that in this dosage form the drug should be taken orally three times a day, 20 ml (this corresponds to the volume of 2 dessert spoons).

How to take Lecithin? It is recommended to drink the product for a long time. Typically, the course of treatment ranges from 1.5-2 months or more (up to several years). In each specific case, the duration of treatment and the advisability of repeated courses are determined by the attending physician depending on the characteristics of the disease.

Age restrictions differ for drugs from different manufacturers. For example, Lecithin Our Juvix-Pharm is not prescribed to persons under 12 years of age. Some products can be used starting from 6-7 years of age, and some are recommended exclusively for people over 18 years of age.

special instructions

Lecithin - what is it?

Wikipedia to the question “what is lecithin?” answers that lecithins are a general concept that is usually used to define by-products of the refining of vegetable oils by the hydration method.

The chemical formula of the substance is as follows:

phosphatidylcholine molecule contains phosphoric acid , glycerol , higher fatty acids and the vitamin-like substance choline , which is the raw material for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (transmitters of nerve impulses).

The human body experiences a need for polyunsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids from the moment the embryo begins to form and subsequently throughout life.

Phosphatidylcholine belongs to the group of complex lipids and is one of the components of living cell membranes . nervous tissue are especially rich in it .

The versatility of lecithin preparations is due to the fact that phosphatidylcholines are the basis of all cell membranes in the human body: the insulating and protective tissues that surround nerve fibers , the brain and spinal cord consist of about 30% of them, and liver cells - 65%.

The body's need for phosphatidylcholines is also due to the fact that the latter are used as a building material necessary for the restoration of damaged cells. In addition, they are the main vehicle for delivering vitamins , nutrients and drugs into cells.

With a deficiency of these substances, the effectiveness of all medications without exception is significantly reduced.

When there is a hormonal imbalance in the body, endogenous progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are formed from cholesterol and only if the cholesterol is in an assimilable and transportable state. Inositol and choline give it this state .

In addition, the substance is an effective form of organic phosphorus, a trace element that is extremely important for dental health.

When taking lecithin preparations, you should not exceed the dose recommended by the instructions. The drug is used with caution in patients with cholelithiasis and pancreatitis in the acute stage.

vitamin C into the diet or take additional preparations of ascorbic acid and calcium in order to neutralize the harmful products metabolism .

The benefits and harms of lecithin

It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of the substance. Its deficiency primarily affects the state of the nervous system . The main symptoms of insufficient lecithin in the body are memory disorders, insomnia, mood swings, and decreased concentration.

In addition, a deficiency of the substance in the diet is accompanied by digestive disorders, which manifest themselves in the form of aversion to fatty foods, bloating, frequent diarrhea, impaired renal and/or liver function, increased blood and intracranial pressure , progression of diseases of the heart , blood vessels , joints , and organs of the digestive system. , weight loss, poor speech development in children, mental instability.

Taking the drug, as a rule, does not have any side effects, which distinguishes it from most medications that are used to treat disorders of brain function .

What is soy lecithin? Emulsifier lecithin - benefits and harms

Soy lecithin - what is it? This is a substance that is obtained from waste from the production of oil and soy products. In the food industry it is used in the form of additive E322.

The emulsifier soy lecithin is necessary in the production of margarine, milk products, chocolate, and bakery products. E322 is also often used as an antioxidant. The additive may be listed in the product description as emulsifier lecithin.

To date, many articles have been written about the dangers and benefits of soy lecithin. The beneficial properties of the substance are described above.

As for the question of the dangers of soy lecithin, all experts agree that if consumed in reasonable quantities, the substance does not cause any harm to the body.

However, when used in high doses, it can cause allergic reactions (especially in people who are predisposed to them).

According to most consumers, another danger lies in the fact that the substance can be obtained from genetically modified raw materials. Despite the fact that there is no official data on the dangers of using GM products, today their quantity is strictly regulated.

Additive E476 - benefit or harm?

Another form of lecithin is polyglycerol , which is also known as stabilizer E476.

Polyglycerol is obtained chemically. The properties of this substance allow it to be used as a stabilizing agent to maintain the required level of viscosity and improve the consistency of individual food products.

In this regard, the additive is often used in the production of chocolate, mayonnaise and ketchup, margarine, ready-made gravy and vacuum-packed liquid soups.

Compared to lecithin, E476 is much cheaper, and such a replacement does not affect the taste of the product.

There is no direct evidence that E476 is harmful to the body. Studies have not revealed the toxicity of this substance. Their results also made it possible to establish that the additive is not an allergen and does not provoke skin irritation (including during direct contact with it).

However, it should be taken into account that since the production of polyglycerol on stream, GM plants have often been used for its production. When asked what this means for the body, scientists are still at a loss to answer.

According to some data, abuse of products containing the E476 additive can cause an increase in the size of the liver and kidneys , as well as disruption of metabolic processes in the body. In this regard, you should be especially careful when including them in the diet of people with stomach diseases and young children.

What foods contain lecithin?

The name of the substance has Greek roots. Literally translated, “lekithos” means “egg yolk”. Accordingly, it is found in large quantities in eggs.

Other foods that contain lecithin are foods high in fat - chicken and beef liver, nuts, fish, seeds, meat, sunflower oil, legumes (particularly soybeans).

What types are there?

Lecithin is produced in 3 types:

  • liquid (standard);
  • fractionated (can be different - liquid, paste, granules);
  • fat-free (powder, granules).

According to the method of production, E322 is divided into 2 groups:

  1. E322 I is a by-product of refining vegetable oils. It has the form of a liquid (homogeneous viscous liquid), fat-free (granules and powder), fractionated (homogeneous viscous liquid, paste, powder, granules) substance.
  2. Lecithin E322 II - obtained by hydrolysis with enzymes (homogeneous viscous liquid) or fat-free hydrolysis (powder, granules). It contains more phospholipids.

Lecithin for children

The child's body needs lecithin from the first weeks of intrauterine development, since lecithin takes an active part in the processes of formation and development of the central nervous system . The surfactant that lines the alveoli of the lungs , consists of 76% of this substance.

An infant receives it with mother's milk. Therefore, in cases where breastfeeding is impossible for some reason, the resulting deficiency must be compensated additionally.

This is due to the fact that if the substance is insufficient in the child’s diet, the child’s attention and learning ability are significantly reduced.

In addition, it is characterized by the ability to reduce the concentration of fatty acids and cholesterol in the blood and cleanse the vascular walls of cholesterol plaques . It improves the functional activity of the kidneys and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins , which are necessary for the supply of nutrients to all living cells of the human body, stimulates energy production, and also increases resistance to the aging process in adulthood.

The child’s body is especially vulnerable during stress, which he usually encounters for the first time during the period of adaptation to kindergarten, and then to school.

Pediatricians note that children going to first grade need lecithin: the substance stimulates brain , increases concentration and resistance to stress, improves memory, and also effectively reduces fatigue.

For teenagers, whose body is in a phase of rapid growth, it is the second most important building material after protein.

The optimal form of Lecithin for children is a gel, which, unlike tablets, is not perceived by the child as a medicine and, moreover, has a pleasant taste and fruity smell. Another option is instant capsules, which can be used to make a vitamin drink.

Chemical properties

The chemical composition of lecithin includes fatty acids with single and double bonds, vitamin B4 (choline), phosphoric acid and a glycerol residue. Near the alpha carbon atom in most molecules of a substance there is one of the saturated acids (stearic, palmitic), and at the beta carbon atom there is usually an unsaturated acid (linoleic, oleic). According to the chemical classification, the compound belongs to esters. Since lecithin contains the largest percentage of phospholipids, these two names in biochemistry can be used as synonyms.

The substance is a surface-active reagent and exhibits its physicochemical properties at the interface of two media. In water, lecithin can form micelles or liposomes, the type of which depends on the temperature of the solution. The melting point of molecules is 230-250°C. In open air, lecithin turns yellow and then darkens under the influence of active oxygen from the air. In environments with neutral pH, the formula is in the form of bipolar ions. The harm of lecithin may be associated with toxic metabolites that are formed in the intestines of patients with gastrointestinal pathology. Intestinal microflora converts the substance into trimethylamine oxide, which has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.

Reviews about Lecithin

Almost all reviews about Lecithin left by consumers and doctors are positive. Both doctors and ordinary people who have used the product for various health problems note its high effectiveness, benefits for the nervous system and liver , and the absence of side effects and contraindications.

Reviews of granulated soy lecithin are similar to reviews of ArtLife Lecithin or reviews of Doppelgerz Lecithin . Each of these remedies has a beneficial effect on the condition of the body as a whole (especially if the latter is constantly exposed to stress and increased physical activity), normalizes the function of the heart and vascular system , has a choleretic effect cholesterol levels .

For children and students, the drug is especially necessary during periods of mental fatigue (for example, during exam periods). In addition, against the background of its use, many note a significant increase in immunity and, as a result, the body’s ability to withstand the effects of adverse factors.

Doctors consider the remedy a wise addition to any diet. Many of them recommend it as a dietary supplement for people who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Neurologists often prescribe drugs based on this substance in cases where a child has a delay in mental and/or speech development.

A large number of positive reviews about Lecithin Nash and Lecithin NSP are associated with the positive effect of these products on lactostasis , problems with excess weight, and cellulite.

In addition, the product can be used in cosmetology. It is characterized by its ability to deeply moisturize the skin and stimulate its regeneration. Its use is no less effective for hair: by helping to normalize the function of hair follicles, it improves the structure and appearance of hair.

Sports nutrition with lecithin[edit | edit code]

First of all, soy protein is rich in lecithin.

  • Lipotropic Protein from LG Sciences
  • Super Vitamin Pak from ISS Research
  • Animal Cuts from Universal Nutrition
  • LipoDerm-Ultra from Avant Labs

Special notes[edit | edit code]

Lecithin does not pose a health risk; it is a completely safe substance with many positive effects. When taking lecithin, it is necessary to completely avoid drinking alcohol, since ethyl alcohol breaks down the amino acids that make up lecithin and almost completely burns esters of the amino alcohol choline.

Lecithin is the active ingredient of so-called hepatoprotectors. Substances that are dietary supplements are mistakenly considered medicines for liver diseases. Based on lecithin, the preparations “Essentiale Forte”, “Essentiale N”, “Esliver Forte”, and a number of dietary supplements are produced.

Follow manufacturers' recommendations. Intolerance may manifest itself in stool disturbances and nausea.

Lecithin price

The price of Lecithin differs depending on which pharmaceutical company produces it. So, for example, the price of Lecithin NSP is about 420 UAH (in Russia - from 1400 to 1900 rubles), and you can buy Lecithin Doppelgerts at a pharmacy for an average of 69-75 UAH.

The cost of Solgar from the company Solgar Vitamin (USA) starts from 225 UAH. You can buy Solgar soy lecithin in Moscow from 930 rubles.

  • Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
  • Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
  • Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan

ZdravCity

  • Our Lecithin powder 120gUvix pharma
    RUB 367 order
  • Lecithin triple strength caps. Now/Nau 1.2g 100pcsNow Foods/NOW International

    RUB 882 order

  • Our Lecithin powder 300gUvix Pharma

    RUR 672 order

  • For men caps. Our Lecithin 0.35g 60pcsUvix Pharma

    RUR 567 order

  • Lecithin 1.2g caps. Now/Nau 1.83g 200pcsNow Foods/NOW International

    RUB 1,665 order

Pharmacy Dialogue

  • Our lecithin (caps. No. 90)Uvix-Pharm LLC

    RUB 329 order

  • Doppelhertz Active Lecithin forte capsules No. 30Queisser

    RUB 453 order

  • Our lecithin (caps. No. 30)Uvix-Pharm LLC

    RUB 151 order

  • Lecithin super granules 250gPro Vista AG

    966 RUR order

  • Our lecithin (por. 120g)Uvix-Pharm LLC

    RUR 387 order

show more

Pharmacy24

PaniPharmacy

  • Lecithin capsules No. 30, Walmark

    137 UAH order

  • Lecithin capsules No. 100 Canada, Pharmascience

    191 UAH order

  • Lecithin capsules No. 50 Ukraine, Elite-pharm

    104 UAH order

  • Vansiton Lecithin 250g Ukraine, DelMas Ltd

    276 UAH. order

  • Solgar Natural soy lecithin capsules No. 100 Ukraine, Solgar Vitamin and Herb

    345 UAH. order

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