PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE

Phosphatidylcholine improves skin hydration and texture in skincare formulations.
Phosphatidylcholine is used in dietary supplements for liver health and cognitive support.
Phosphatidylcholine enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients in liposomal formulations.

CAS Number: 8002-43-5 (general for lecithin, including phosphatidylcholine)
Alternative CAS Numbers: 28354-26-7, 97281-47-5
EC Number: 232-307-2
Molecular Weight: 786.129 g/mol
Chemical Formula: C44H84NO8P

SYNONYMS:
1,2-diacyl-:ussn:ueglycero-3-phosphocholine, Fosfatidilcolina, Lipodissolve, Lipolight, Lipolyse, Lipothérapie, Lipotherapy, Phosphatidyl Choline, Phospholipid, Phospholipide, Phospholipon, Polyenylphosphatidylcholine, Polyénylphosphatidylcholine, PtdCho., Lecithin, Choline phosphatide, Phosphatidylcholine lecithin, Soy lecithin, PC lipid, 1,2-Diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, Egg phosphatidylcholine, Alpha-phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine is a class of phospholipids that incorporate choline as a headgroup. 
Phosphatidylcholine is a major component of biological membranes and can easily be obtained from a variety of readily available sources, such as egg yolk or soybeans, from which they are mechanically or chemically extracted using hexane. 

Phosphatidylcholine is also a member of the lecithin group of yellow-brownish fatty substances occurring in animal and plant tissues. 
Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (lecithin) is a major component of the pulmonary surfactant, and is often used in the lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio to calculate fetal lung maturity. 

While Phosphatidylcholine is found in all plant and animal cells, they are absent in the membranes of most bacteria, including Escherichia coli.
Purified phosphatidylcholine is produced commercially.
The name lecithin was derived from Greek λέκιθος, lekithos 'egg yolk' by Theodore Nicolas Gobley, a French chemist and pharmacist of the mid-19th century, who applied it to the egg yolk phosphatidylcholine that he identified in 1847. 

Gobley eventually completely described his lecithin from chemical structural point of view, in 1874. 
Phosphatidylcholines are such a major component of lecithin that in some contexts the terms are sometimes used as synonyms. 
However, lecithin extracts consist of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine and other compounds. 

Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of cell membranes and pulmonary surfactant, and is more commonly found in the exoplasmic or outer leaflet of a cell membrane. 
Phosphatidylcholine is thought to be transported between membranes within the cell by phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PCTP).

Phosphatidylcholine also plays a role in membrane-mediated cell signaling and PCTP activation of other enzymes.
Phosphatidylcholine is a chemical found naturally in all cells in the body. 
Phosphatidylcholine is a source of the essential nutrient, choline. 

Phosphatidylcholine's also found in foods.
Phosphatidylcholine is a major part of lecithin, which is a mixture of fats that are essential to cells in the human body. 
Phosphatidylcholine's found in soy, sunflower, mustard, and eggs. 

The body makes a chemical called acetylcholine from phosphatidylcholine. 
Acetylcholine is important for memory.
People use phosphatidylcholine for inflammatory bowel disease. It is also used for acne, memory loss, Alzheimer disease, liver disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Phosphatidylcholine is zwitterionic phospholipids containing choline as part of the polar head group. 
At physiological pH, Phosphatidylcholines have an overall neutral charge.
Phosphatidylcholine is the predominant phospholipid in all cell membranes, including brain cell membranes. 

Phosphatidylcholine is derived from lecithin. 
Phosphatidylcholine contains choline, a required precursor for the body to manufacture the important brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. 
Phosphatidylcholine helps to promote healthy cognitive function.*

Phosphatidylcholine is a chemical contained in eggs, soybeans, mustard, sunflower, and other foods.
The term "phosphatidylcholine" is sometimes used interchangeably with "lecithin," although the two are different. 
Choline is a component of phosphatidylcholine, which is a component of lecithin. 

Although closely related, these terms are not the same.
Phosphatidylcholine is a purified grade of Lecithin (q.v.) containing no less than 95% of thephospholipid.,
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a phospholipid, one of a primal class of substances ubiquitous among life forms.

Phosphatidylcholine is the predominant phospholipid of all cell membranes and of the circulating blood lipoproteins. 
Phosphatidylcholine is the main functional constituent of the natural surfactants, and the body’s foremost reservoir of choline, an essential nutrient.
Phosphatidylcholine is a normal constituent of the bile that facilitates fat emulsification, absorption, and transport, and is recycled via enterohepatic circulation. 

Until recently the nomenclature of Phosphatidylcholine was confused with lecithin, a complex mixture of phospholipids and other lipids. 
Lecithin preparations enriched in Phosphatidylcholine at or above 30 percent by weight are considered PC concentrates
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that’s contained in eggs, sunflower and other foods. 

Phosphatidylcholine serves as a source of choline in the body.
Although the terms lecithin and phosphatidylcholine (PC) are often used interchangeably, PC is actually made up of lecithin, but they’re two different things.

Lecithin is isolated from foods (such as soy lecithin) and used as an additive because it works as an emulsifier. 
Lecithin contains two types of phospholipids: phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine.
These two components are essential for biological membranes. They work to replace damaged cell membranes and restore their structure and function.

Phosphatidylcholine, or PC for short, is not a vitamin but a phospholipid, one of the key elements that make up our cell membranes. 
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid is a lipid that contains a phosphate group and is a major component of cell membranes. 
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid consists of a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail. 

The lipid bilayer acts as a barrier to the passage of molecules and ions into and out of the cell, but it also “allows selective passage of certain substances into and out of cells.” 
This ability is key to our cellular health. 

To further discuss the role phosphatidylcholine plays in your body, we need to outline the role of genetics vs. epigenetics in cellular health.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a phospholipid or fatty acid that’s essential to cellular function and prevalent in the membranes that surround healthy young cells. 

Phosphatidylcholine plays a key role in many critical systems of the body, including: 
*cardiovascular health
*cellular and liver detoxification
*fat metabolism
*brain processes — memory, nerve signaling and the formation of important neurotransmitters

Phosphatidylcholine (derived from lecithin), a primary dietary source of choline, is composed of a phosphate group, 2 fatty acids, and choline. 
The composition of essential fatty acids in phosphatidylcholine determines its value in promoting health. 
When phosphatidylcholine is ingested, most of it is broken down into choline, glycerol free fatty acids, and the phosphate group, rather than being incorporated intact into cellular membranes.

Although choline can be manufactured in humans from either methionine or serine, it has recently been designated an essential nutrient.
Phosphatidylcholine is found naturally in the body as well as in foods such as eggs, soybeans, mustard, meat (especially liver), seeds, and nuts. 
Choline, along with a type of fat called phospholipid, is an important component of phosphatidylcholine. 

The body can produce choline endogenously in the liver (mostly as phosphatidylcholine), but not enough to fulfill requirements for health.
Phosphatidylcholines (PC) are a class of phospholipids that incorporate choline as a headgroup. 
They are a major component of biological membranes and can be easily obtained from a variety of readily available sources, such as egg yolk or soybeans, from which they are mechanically or chemically extracted using hexane. 

They are also a member of the lecithin group of yellow-brownish fatty substances occurring in animal and plant tissues. 
Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (a.k.a. lecithin) is a major component of pulmonary surfactant and is often used in the L/S ratio to calculate fetal lung maturity. 

While phosphatidylcholines are found in all plant and animal cells, they are absent in the membranes of most bacteria, including Escherichia coli. 
Purified phosphatidylcholine is produced commercially.
The name "lecithin" was originally defined from the Greek lekithos (λεκιθος, egg yolk) by Theodore Nicolas Gobley, a French chemist and pharmacist of the mid-19th century, who applied it to the egg yolk phosphatidylcholine that he identified in 1847. 

Gobley eventually completely described his lecithin from chemical structural point of view, in 1874. 
Phosphatidylcholines are such a major component of lecithin that in some contexts the terms are sometimes used as synonyms. 
However, lecithin extracts consist of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine and other compounds. 

Phosphatidylcholine is also used along with sodium taurocholate for simulating fed- and fasted-state biorelevant media in dissolution studies of highly lipophilic drugs.
Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of cell membranes and pulmonary surfactant, and is more commonly found in the exoplasmic or outer leaflet of a cell membrane. 

It is thought to be transported between membranes within the cell by phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PCTP).
Phosphatidylcholine also plays a role in membrane-mediated cell signaling and PCTP activation of other enzymes.
Phosphatidylcholine supplies a supplemental source of this important phospholipid. 

Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of cell membranes, and is important for normal cellular membrane function and repair.
Phosphatidylcholine, called PC for short, is simply one of the main components of lecithin… a micronutrient you’ve probably seen listed in various places, such as the label of your favorite multivitamin. 

Phosphatidylcholine is found in every cell membrane in your body. 
Phosphatidylcholine is called a phospholipid, and it’s made up of phosphorus, glycerol, and fatty acids. 
In the diet, Phosphatidylcholine can be found naturally in foods like soybeans, nuts, seeds, egg yolks, and liver.

Phosphatidylcholine is essential for intestinal, liver, and brain health. It also plays a key role in the metabolism of cholesterol and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive system.
Now that you know what phosphatidylcholine is, let’s dive into what it does and how a phosphatidylcholine IV can benefit you!

Phosphatidylcholines or lecithins form the most abundant group of phospholipids. 
They are derived from phosphatidic acid, to whose phosphate choline is bound.
Phosphatidylcholines are amphiphilic - part of their molecule (residues of higher fatty acids) is significantly non-polar, while the phosphate group and the rest of the choline are polar. 

This feature of phosphatidylcholines is significant for the structure of biological membranes (non-polar hydrophobic residues point to the center of the phospholipid bilayer, polar residues face the aquatic environment).
Most naturally occurring phospholipids have a saturated acyl residue in the sn-1 position and an unsaturated fatty acid in the sn-2 position of the glycerol.

Phosphatidylcholine, also known as lecithin, has been shown to play a vital role in many important areas including maintaining cell structure, fat metabolism, memory, nerve signaling, as a precursor to important neurotransmitters, and liver health.
Phosphatidylcholine is a primary lipid component of cell membranes found at high levels in egg yolks, and the major component of lecithin, a mixture of essential fatty substances. 

In addition to its roles in maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes, phosphatidylcholine acts as a source of the essential nutrient choline, which is important for the production of a brain chemical involved in learning and memory, called acetylcholine. 
Adequate dietary intake of phosphatidylcholine is associated with better cognition. 
Supplementation is safe, but trials have not shown clear cognitive benefits to date. 

USES and APPLICATIONS of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Emulsifier: Phosphatidylcholine stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
Skin Conditioning Agent: Phosphatidylcholine improves skin hydration and texture in skincare formulations.
Nutraceutical Ingredient: Phosphatidylcholine is used in dietary supplements for liver health and cognitive support.

Carrier in Drug Delivery: Phosphatidylcholine enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients in liposomal formulations.
Functional Food Additive: Phosphatidylcholine acts as a natural emulsifier in processed foods like chocolate and margarine.
Phosphatidylcholine is also used along with sodium taurocholate for simulating fed- and fasted-state biorelevant media in dissolution studies of highly lipophilic drugs.

Because the body uses phosphatidylcholine to make a brain chemical called acetylcholine, there is some interest in using it for treating “brain-centered” conditions such as memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, manic-depressive disorders, and a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia.
Phosphatidylcholine is also used for treating hepatitis, eczema, gallbladder disease, circulation problems, high cholesterol, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS); for improving the effectiveness of kidney dialysis; for boosting the immune system; and for preventing aging.

Healthcare providers sometimes give phosphatidylcholine intravenously (by IV) for chest pain, fat globules in the blood (fat embolism), high cholesterol, liver disease, and fatty plaque deposits in arteries.

Phosphatidylcholine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) for treating non-cancerous fatty tumors (lipomas), excess fat around the eyelids, and yellowish cholesterol deposits just under the surface of the skin (xanthelasmas).

Phosphatidylcholine is the primary active ingredient contained in cosmetic injection products used to "dissolve" fat. 
These products include Lipodissolve, Lipolight, Lipolyse, Lipotherapy, and others.

The body uses Phosphatidylcholine to make acetylcholine, a brain chemical that plays a major role in the autonomic nervous system to regulate heart rate, blood vessel dilation, bodily secretions and more. 

Acetylcholine has been used in treatments for cognitive issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, manic depressive disorder and anxiety.
Phosphatidylcholine’s ability to break down fats has also been researched. 

That explains why Phosphatidylcholine’s sometimes injected under the skin to treat non-cancerous fatty tumors and as a cosmetic agent to dissolve fat, although the evidence on the latter is limited.

Phosphatidylcholine can potentially lower inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels, enhance liver function, and increase cognitive function.
Although foods are the best sources of phosphatidylcholine, supplements are used to support brain health and liver health.

WHAT IS PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE, AND HOW IS PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE USED?
Phosphatidylcholine is a chemical that naturally occurs in foods such as eggs, red meat, and whole grains. It’s also used as a supplement for improving mental function, dissolving gallstones, and more.

Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid attached to a choline particle. Phospholipids contain fatty acids, glycerol, and phosphorus.
The phosphorus part of a phospholipid is called lecithin, and it’s made up of phosphatidylcholine. 
For this reason, the terms “phosphatidylcholine” and “lecithin” are often used interchangeably, although they’re different. 

Foods that contain lecithin are the best dietary sources of phosphatidylcholine.
Although phosphatidylcholine is traditionally used to support brain health, it can also support liver function and regulate cholesterol levels. 

STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Phosphatidylcholine is composed of a choline head group and glycerophosphoric acid, with a variety of fatty acids. 
Usually, one is a saturated fatty acid (in the given figure, this is palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, H3C-(CH2)14-COOH); margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid, H3C-(CH2)15-COOH), identified by Gobley in egg yolk, also belong to that class); and the other is an unsaturated fatty acid (here oleic acid, or 9Z-octadecenoic acid, as in Gobley's original egg yolk lecithin). 

However, there are also examples of disaturated species. 
Animal lung phosphatidylcholine, for example, contains a high proportion of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine.
Phospholipase D catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine to form phosphatidic acid (PA), releasing the soluble choline headgroup into the cytosol

BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is proven to assist in various neurological, systemic detoxification, digestive, and hepatic functions. 
More specifically, Phosphatidylcholine will help reduce aging processes, boost metabolism, and help the liver repair and detox your body.

Anti-aging, brain and nerve restoration
Phosphatidylcholine is found in the highest concentrations in young people. 

As we age, the presence of Phosphatidylcholine begins to decline and deteriorate cell structure. 
Phosphatidylcholine infusions deliver the nutrient directly to the cells to be reincorporated into the membranes, nerves, and tissue to slow down and reverse the aging process. 

Phosphatidylcholine is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter directly involved in memory and learning. 
As we get older, the production of Phosphatidylcholine and acetylcholine declines. 

As a result, diseases linked to aging become more of a concern. 
These diseases include Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s, and other autoimmune and inflammatory neurological issues.

*Phosphatidylcholine good for gut health
Gut health
Phosphatidylcholine is a vital contributor to the mucus lining in the intestines. 

Researchers have found that low levels of Phosphatidylcholine contribute to the severity of inflammatory bowel conditions. 
As a result of this discovery, the addition of Phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in patients suffering from symptoms related to inflammation of the digestive tract.

*Metabolic health
Phosphatidylcholine also plays a key role in your body’s metabolism. Metabolism is the process that allows your food to be converted into energy. 
The better the metabolic conversion, the more effectively your body’s needs are met. 

The study of metabolic disorders like obesity and insulin resistance has implicated low levels of Phosphatidylcholine in your body’s cells, which has led to its use as part of the treatment for weight loss.

*Phosphatidylcholine for improved metabolic health
Liver detoxification and restoration
The liver’s essential functions are to aid in digestion and to filter out the harmful substances that we ingest. 

The liver is vulnerable to injury when there are high concentrations of alcohol, fat, drugs, and viruses. 
Phosphatidylcholine works in the liver to improve the absorption and expulsion of waste and bodily toxins by helping liver cells package toxins for removal. 

The molecule can even stimulate healing from prior damage. 
For example, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also called hepatosteatosis, is one of the most common causes of liver disease. 
Studies have shown that six months of phosphatidylcholine therapy reduced liver stiffness and improved NAFLD Fibrosis Scores for advanced fibrosis.

*Phosphatidylcholine is used to treat weight and localized fat accumulation.
Phosphatidylcholine ampoules include chemicals that breakdown stored fat in adipocytes and remodel body contour.

KEY BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Phosphatidylcholine is abundant in the healthy young membranes surrounding every cell. 
As we get older or encounter illness, this phospholipid membrane becomes damaged or replaced with less beneficial lipids. 
This lipid layer can trap and store many toxins that impact the health of cell membranes, mitochondria (energy production) and cellular communication. 

Infusion allows Phosphatidylcholine to be re-incorporated into the cell membrane with many benefits:
*Improved cellular integrity
*Repaired and enhanced nutrient transportation to cells 
*Optimized removal of toxins across the cell membrane 

*Promotes better memory —  As a good source of choline, the main component in production of the memory-enhancing neurotransmitter acetylcholine, Phosphatidylcholine can help with focus and retention of information.  
*Improves cholesterol profiles

Due to its unique ability to improve cell membrane function, Phosphatidylcholine is one of the main molecules for boosting cellular absorption of nutrients and vitamins in all infusion therapies. 

Phosphatidylcholine infusions of Essentiale-N, a stabilized form of PC, help restore cell membranes to help your body function at its best, soaking up nutrients and flushing away waste. 

HOW PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE INFUSION WORKS:
At ViveWell, we know the health and the integrity of the trillions of cells in your body are integral facets of their functionality. 
Phosphatidylcholine has been thoroughly researched by leading scientists. 

It’s the most prominent part of your cell membranes that keep toxins out, soak up nutrients and flush away metabolic waste. 
Simply put, phosphatidylcholine is an essential component of human cells and their ability to carry out countless tasks within the human body.

While Phosphatidylcholine can be supplemented in the form of capsules and oils, ingesting it doesn’t allow the body to absorb all the nutrients thoroughly. 
With intravenous phosphatidylcholine therapy, 100% of the nutrient is delivered directly into the bloodstream, providing complete absorption for every area of the body in need of rejuvenation.

7 BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
1. Boosts brain health
The role of phosphatidylcholine in cell membrane integrity and intracellular communication has prompted various studies in neurology. 

Although research is limited, evidence shows that phosphatidylcholine supplementation may help alleviate symptoms of disorders associated with low acetylcholine levels, such as:

*Schizophrenia
*Bipolar disorder
*Huntington's chorea
*Tourette's syndrome
*Alzheimer's disease

2. Protects liver health
Phosphatidylcholine is required for the formation and repair of cell membranes, as well as for optimal liver function.

According to studies, phosphatidylcholine plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of various types of liver disease. 
Phosphatidylcholine protects liver cells from viral damage, decreases fibrosis, and prevents cell death caused by medications, alcohol, and other substances.

Several studies have also reported that phosphatidylcholine has a preventive and healing impact on patients with hepatitis A, B, and C. 
Phosphatidylcholine treatment for chronic, active hepatitis resulted in a substantial decrease in disease activity
Studies have also reported that choline supplementation reversed hepatic steatosis or fatty liver disease in choline-deficient individuals. 

3. Promotes intestinal health
Phosphatidylcholine is a lipid found in the protective mucus layer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can reduce GI damage due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

According to studies, phosphatidylcholine suppresses pro-inflammatory chemicals and is useful in treating ulcerative colitis. 
Emerging data also suggests that phosphatidylcholine can protect the stomach and intestinal lining against the detrimental effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

4. May improve heart health
Phosphatidylcholine circulates in the blood as a key component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is the good cholesterol that enhances cardiovascular health and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis. 
Studies suggest that phosphatidylcholine supplementation helps stabilize HDL levels and protects against heart diseases such as artery blockage.

5. May enhance athletic performance
There is some evidence that supplementing with phosphatidylcholine may improve athletic performance when used as a workout supplement.

The availability of choline for acetylcholine production is critical for optimal muscular activity. 
Phosphatidylcholine supplementation before vigorous exercise may enhance plasma choline concentration and thus improve performance.

6. Promotes healthy pregnancy
Phosphatidylcholine may support the healthy growth of the lungs and lung surfactants in an unborn baby. 
However, consult your doctor before taking phosphatidylcholine during pregnancy.

7. Boosts skin health
Phosphatidylcholine, together with saturated fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acid, can help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 
Saturated phosphatidylcholine is present in many creams and replicates the skin's bi-layer structure, providing the following advantages:

*Aids in skin regeneration
*Supports skin barrier function
*Prevents keratinization
*Keeps skin soft and supple

FUNCTIONS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
• Choline is required for the proper metabolism of fats; it facilitates the movement of fats in and out of cells. 
Like Vitamin B12, 5-adenosylmethionine, and Folic Acid, choline acts in the human body as a methyl donor. 
As such, choline is essential for proper liver function due to its key role in the lipotropic effect, i.e., the export of fat from the liver. 

In the absence of adequate choline, fats become trapped in the liver, where they block metabolism. 
Stagnation of fat and bile eventually leads to the development of more serious liver disorders such as cirrhosis.

• Choline is needed for cell membrane integrity because of the critical role it plays in the manufacture of primary components of cell membranes, such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin.

• Choline is essential in the synthesis of acetylcholine. 
Choline supplementation increases the accumulation of acetylcholine which plays a crucial role in many brain processes, including memory. 

• Phosphatidylcholine increases the solubility of cholesterol and thereby decreases cholesterol‘s ability to induce atherosclerosis. 
Phosphatidylcholine aids in lowering cholesterol levels, removing cholesterol from tissue deposits, and inhibiting platelet aggregation. 
The high content of linoleic acid in phosphatidylcholine may be responsible for much of the benefit derived from supplementation.

MODE OF ACTION OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
• Choline acts as a methyl donor, especially in liver function.
• Choline enables synthesis of acetylcholine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin.

PROPERTIES OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
*Amphiphilic Nature: 
Contains both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (oil-attracting) properties.

*Natural Origin: 
Derived from soybeans, egg yolks, or sunflower seeds.

*Stability: 
Stable under normal storage conditions but sensitive to oxidation.

*Biocompatible: 
Non-toxic and well-tolerated by human tissues.

*Membrane-Building Component: 
Key phospholipid in biological membranes.

BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
*Phosphatidylcholine supports skin hydration and repair, enhancing barrier function.
*Phosphatidylcholine improves the bioavailability of lipophilic active ingredients.
*Phosphatidylcholine promotes liver health by aiding fat metabolism.
*Phosphatidylcholine boosts cognitive function by providing choline, a precursor to acetylcholine.
*Phosphatidylcholine stabilizes emulsions, extending the shelf life of products.

WHAT IS PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE AND HOW CAN PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH?
Key Takeaways
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a phospholipid that enhances the free passage of nutrients into the cell while allowing waste and detritus out. 
By doing so, Phosphatidylcholine works to enhance metabolism (energy production) within a cell.

It’s our epigenetics, not necessarily our genetics, that has a greater impact on individual health outcomes. 
The effects of epigenetics play out in the cell membrane. 
The cell membrane is largely composed of phospholipids, the main one being phosphatidylcholine.

Phosphatidylcholine  can be absorbed from food, but not in a high enough quantity to support a healthy adult. 
Supplementation with a high-quality liposomal Phosphatidylcholine such as Bodybio PC provides support for brain, immune, digestive health, and more.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is essential to cellular, and therefore overall, health.*
When it comes to your cellular health, the structure and function of the cell membrane, brain, liver, gut health and more, there’s a lot to say about one little molecule: phosphatidylcholine, also known as PC. 

Phosphatidylcholine is so important that it’s been our cornerstone supplement for over two decades and has been recommended by BodyBio health practitioners for any chronic condition that could use support from the cellular level — that is to say, just about all of them.*

STRUCTURE OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Phosphatidylcholines (lecithins, PtdCho, GPCho, or PC) belong to the group of ester phospholipids within the phospholipids. 
Their structure consists of a glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acids and a phosphocholine molecule. 
The fatty acids can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.

FUNCTION OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Phosphatidylcholines serve as key building blocks for biological membranes, and they play an important role in plasma lipoproteins, the biochemical structures to transport lipids in blood plasma.  

Phosphatidylcholine is a precursor of acetylcholine,  a neurotransmitter. 
Platelet-activating factor is a phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholines are elevated in cancers because of the increased demand for membrane constituents, and linked to liver conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

WHAT DOES PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE DO?
All of the cells in the human body are encapsulated with a membrane that’s made up of a double layer of phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most essential phospholipid and it’s found in young, healthy cellular membranes. 

Unfortunately, when we’re ill or aging, the amount of Phosphatidylcholine in the cellular membranes decreases. 
Phosphatidylcholine is replaced with less efficient phospholipids that can trap and retain common toxic compounds like heavy metals and pesticides. 

These toxic substances compromise the cell membrane and inhibit effective communication between the cells. 
They can also impair cellular function at the mitochondrial level, which is the energy center of each cell.

By making phosphatidylcholine available to the cells again, we can restore the cellular membranes to their former integrity. 
This improves the cells’ ability to eliminate toxins across the membrane and transport nutrients more efficiently.

Phosphatidylcholine is also a good source of choline. 
Choline is the main substance used to produce acetylcholine, which is a crucial neurotransmitter for memory and cognitive function. 

But that’s not all! 
In addition to maintaining cell integrity and assisting in the production of acetylcholine, phosphatidylcholine also:

*Assists in the breakdown of fats
*Protects against liver damage
*Protects the nerves
*Makes up a large portion of the mucus that lines and protects the digestive system and gut
*Builds a combination of proteins and fats which line and the lungs

PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE AND RELATED LIPIDS:
Phosphatidylcholine or 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (once given the trivial name 'lecithin') is a neutral or zwitterionic phospholipid over a pH range from strongly acid to strongly alkaline. 

Phosphatidylcholine is usually the most abundant phospholipid in animals and plants, often amounting to almost 50% of the total complex lipids, and as such it is obviously a key building block of membrane bilayers. 

In particular, it makes up a very high proportion (80 to 90%) of the lipids of the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of nucleated cells, and virtually all the phosphatidylcholine in human erythrocyte membranes is present in the outer leaflet. 
Phosphatidylcholine is the main phospholipid circulating in plasma, where it is an integral component of the lipoproteins, especially the HDL. 

On the other hand, Phosphatidylcholine is less often found in bacterial membranes, perhaps ~10% of species, and there is none in the 'model' organisms Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. 
In animal tissues, some of Phosphatidylcholine's membrane functions appear to be shared with the structurally related sphingolipid, sphingomyelin, although the latter has many unique properties of its own.

STRUCTURE AND OCCURRENCE OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
In animal tissues, phosphatidylcholine tends to exist in mainly in the diacyl form, and small proportions only (in comparison to phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine) of alkylacyl and alkenylacyl forms may be present.

As a generalization, animal diacyl phosphatidylcholine tends to contain lower proportions of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids and more of the C18 unsaturated fatty acids than the other zwitterionic phospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamine. 

Saturated fatty acids are most abundant in position sn-1, while polyunsaturated components are concentrated in position sn-2. 
Indeed, C20 and C22 polyenoic acids are exclusively in position sn-2, yet in brain and retina the minor uncommon very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (C30 to C38) of the n-6 and n-3 families occur in position sn‑1. 

Dietary factors obviously influence overall fatty acid compositions, but in comparing animal species, it would be expected that the structure of the phosphatidylcholine in comparable tissues would be somewhat similar in terms of the relative distributions of fatty acids between the two positions. 

There are some exceptions to the rule as the phosphatidylcholine in some tissues or organelles contains relatively high proportions of disaturated molecular species, and it is well known that lung phosphatidylcholine in most if not all animal species studied to date contains a high proportion (50% or more) of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine.

In the leaves of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, saturated fatty acids are concentrated in position sn-1, but monoenoic fatty acids are distributed approximately equally between the two positions, and there is a preponderance of di- and triunsaturated fatty acids in position sn-2; the same is true for soybean ‘lecithin’. 
In the yeast Lipomyces lipoferus, the pattern differs only in that much of the 16:1 is in position sn-1.

BIOSYNTHESIS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
There are several mechanisms for the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine in animals, plants and micro-organisms. Choline itself is not synthesised as such by animal cells and is an essential nutrient, not only for phospholipid synthesis but also for cholinergic neurotransmission (acetylcholine synthesis) and as a source of methyl groups for numerous other metabolites. 

It must be obtained from dietary sources or by degradation of existing choline-containing lipids, for example those produced by the second pathway described below. 

Once taken across membranes and into cells by the transporters feline leukemia virus subgroup C cellular receptors 1 and 2 (FLVCR1/2), choline is immediately phosphorylated by choline kinase (two isoforms) (1) in the cytoplasm of the cell to produce phosphocholine, which is reacted with cytidine triphosphate (CTP) by the enzyme CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (2) to form cytidine diphosphocholine (CDP-choline). 

The latter enzyme exists in two isoforms of which CCTα is the more important and is a soluble protein found first in the nucleoplasm and then in the cytoplasm, while CCTβ is a cytoplasmic enzyme, but both are activated upon reversible binding to membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum or nuclei. 

This is the rate-limiting step in phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, and the enzyme is regulated by signals from a sensor in the membrane that reports on the relative abundance of the final product. 
To add to its role in lipid synthesis, choline kinase (ChoKα) has regulatory functions.

In plants, nematodes and certain parasites, most phosphocholine is synthesised by sequential methylation of phosphoethanolamine by phospho-base N‑methyltransferases, while free choline and betaine are synthesised by analogous routes in plants.

In the main pathway for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in animals and plants, the CDP-choline produced is reacted with sn-1,2-diacylglycerols in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclei (CEPT1) by the membrane-spanning enzyme CDP-choline:1,2-diacylglycerol choline/ethanolamine-phosphotransferase, which is a dimer with ten transmembrane segments in each protomer and an interior hydrophobic chamber that coordinates the acyl tails during the catalytic process to form phosphatidylcholine (3); there is a related choline phosphotransferase 1 (CPT1) in the trans-Golgi. 

The first of these is responsible for most phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis but with a somewhat different molecular species composition from the second, which prefers 1-alkyl precursors. 

This mechanism is present in a few bacterial species only and is analogous to that for a major route to phosphatidylethanolamine. Phosphatidylcholine in mitochondria is obtained by transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum, probably at membrane contact sites.

The discovery of this pathway depended a little on serendipity in that in experiments in the laboratory of Professor Eugene Kennedy, samples of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contained some cytidine triphosphate (CTP) as an impurity. 

Luck is of little value without receptive minds, and Kennedy and co-workers demonstrated that the impurity was essential for the formation of phosphatidylcholine.

The above reaction, together with the biosynthetic mechanism for phosphatidylethanolamine, is significantly different from that for phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin. 

Although both make use of nucleotides, with the latter, the nucleotide is covalently linked directly to the lipid intermediate, i.e., cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol. 
A comparable pathway to this for biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine occurs in some bacteria (see below).

The source of the sn-1,2-diacylglycerol precursor, which is likewise an intermediate in the formation of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and triacylglycerols, is phosphatidic acid. 

In this instance, the main enzyme is phosphatidic acid phosphatase (sometimes termed ‘lipin’ or ‘phosphatidate phosphatase’ or ‘lipid phosphate phosphatase’ or ‘phosphatidate phosphohydrolase’).

Yeasts contain two such enzymes, one of which is Mg2+-dependent (PAP1) and the other Mg2+-independent (PAP2). 
In mammals, there are three cytoplasmic phosphatidic acid phosphatases, termed lipins-1 to 3 (see our web page on triacylglycerol biosynthesis for further discussion). 

Lipin-1 is found mainly in adipose tissue, while lipin-2 is present mainly in liver, and they are unique among biosynthetic enzymes for glycerolipids in that they can transit between cellular membranes rather than remain tethered to membranes. 

Of these, lipin-1 is most important and exists in three isoforms, lipin-1α, lipin-1β and lipin-1γ with lipin-1α located mainly in the nucleus and lipin-1β in the cytoplasm, while lipin-1γ is present in brain primarily.

In the second pathway for biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, sequential methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine occurs with S‑adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the source of methyl groups and mono- and dimethylphosphatidylethanolamine as intermediates in reactions catalysed by the enzyme phosphatidylethanolamine N‑methyltransferase. 

A single enzyme (~20 KDa) in two isoforms catalyses all three reactions in hepatocytes; the main form (PEMT1) is located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it spans the membrane, while the second (PEMT2) is found in the mitochondria-associated ER membrane. 
Both are a product of the same gene and are similar in structure but generate molecular species with somewhat different compositions. 

This is a major pathway in the liver, generating one third of the phosphatidylcholine in this organ, but in brain, testis, heart and skeletal muscle, it is a minor pathway only. 

When choline is deficient in the diet, this is the main liver pathway, and it is in effect an endogenous route to choline biosynthesis. 
In yeasts, at least two N-methyltransferases are present, and this may be the main route to phosphatidylcholine (and in those bacterial species that produce this lipid), but it appears to operate in only a few species of higher plants.

Dysregulation of this process can lead to an imbalance of phospholipid metabolism with health consequences. 
For example, a by-product of the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine from phosphatidylethanolamine is the conversion of S‑adenosylmethionine to S‑adenosylhomocysteine, which is hydrolysed in the liver to adenosine and homocysteine. 

An elevated level of the latter in plasma is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction and metabolic diseases that include diabetes and obesity. 
Knock-out of the PEMT enzymes in laboratory animals is reported to have potential health benefits.

Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis by both pathways in the liver is necessary for normal secretion of the plasma lipoproteins (VLDL and HDL), and it is relevant to several human physiological conditions. 

It should be noted that all of these pathways for the biosynthesis of diacylphosphatidylcholine are very different and are separated spatially from that producing alkylacyl- and alkenylacyl-phosphatidylcholines de novo. 

Synthesis of phosphatidylcholine does not occur uniformly throughout the endoplasmic reticulum but is located at membrane interfaces or where it meets other organelles and when the membrane is expanding dynamically.

The enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum responsible for the synthesis of all phospholipids are orientated in such a manner that their catalytic sites are exclusively facing the cytosol. 

Problems would arise if there were a rapid expansion of the cytosolic leaflet while the luminal leaflet did not change, but a phospholipid transporter known as a scramblase enables a rapid bidirectional flip-flop of phospholipids between leaflets of the bilayer in an energy-independent manner. 

Compositional asymmetry in first seen in the trans-Golgi and is completed before the plasma membrane is formed with phosphatidylcholine and sphingolipids present mainly in the exofacial (outer) leaflet while phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine are enriched in the cytosolic leaflet.

Phosphorylcholine is produced by many bacteria, but they use it mainly as an attachment to a glycan structure or as a post-translational modification to proteins where it can be a factor in bacterial pathogenesis. In one bacterial species symbiotic with plants (Sinorhizobium meliloti), a third pathway for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis has been identified that is now known to occur more widely. 

In this instance, the lipid is formed in one step via condensation of choline directly with CDP-diacylglycerol, with cytidine monophosphate (CMP) formed as a by-product; the choline comes from the host plant. 
In Agrobacterium species and some other bacteria, both this route and that via phosphatidylethanolamine operate.

In plant cells, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis occurs mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum, and it is a major component of most membranes other than the internal membranes of plastids; it is absent from the thylakoids and the inner envelope membrane, but it is the main glycerolipid of the outer monolayer of the outer envelope membrane. 

Further complications arise in plants in that turnover or partial synthesis via lysophosphatidylcholine occurs in different organelles from separate fatty acid pools or by enzymes with differing specificities, and because fatty acids esterified to phosphatidylcholine serve as substrates for desaturases. 

The result is that an appreciable pool of the diacylglycerols for the biosynthesis of triacylglycerols, galactosyldiacylglycerols and other glycerolipids pass through phosphatidylcholine as an intermediate, so that the fatty acid compositions in different membranes change after the initial synthetic process. 

This mechanism has obvious differences from the remodelling of molecular species in animal tissues discussed next, although a comparable exchange of acyl groups does occur in part catalysed by acyl transferases. 
Some transfer of phosphatidylcholine per se from the endoplasmic reticulum to plastids may occur via contact points between the two membranes or may be facilitated by transport proteins.

While phosphatidylcholine is a major lipid in yeasts, recent work suggests that it is not essential if suitable alternative growth substrates are available, unlike higher organisms where perturbation of phosphatidylcholine synthesis can lead to inhibition of growth or even cell death.

BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
The benefits of phosphatidylcholine come from its role as a phospholipid that can break down fat deposits and a chemical that boosts a neurotransmitter linked to memory. 
Here’s the run down of how Phosphatidylcholine may benefit body function and overall health:

1. Supports Healthy Memory
An animal study published in the Journal of Nutrition examined the effects of Phosphatidylcholine administration in mice with dementia and low acetylcholine concentration. 

Researchers found that administration of Phosphatidylcholine improved memory and generally increased brain choline and acetylcholine levels to or above the levels of the control normal mice.

In a study published in Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that Phosphatidylcholine levels were significantly lower in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, adding to the evidence that it plays an important role in the disease’s pathology.

2. Supports Metabolic Health
Phosphatidylserine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine are the must abundant phospholipids that play important roles in regulating lipids, lipoprotein and whole-body energy metabolism. 

Low levels of Phosphatidylcholine in tissues can influence energy metabolism and have been linked to disease progression.
Low Phosphatidylcholine and PE levels are associated with metabolic disorders, including atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and obesity.

3. May Fight Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Phosphatidylcholine is known for its ability to potentially reduce fat deposits and has been shown to lower hepatic lipid levels fed a high-fat diet. 
The idea that dietary Phosphatidylcholine may help fight non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

4. May Reduce Fat Deposits
Preliminary research suggests that Phosphatidylcholine may be useful for reducing fat deposits in the chin, neck, thighs and abdomen. 

Research published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery suggests that when phosphatidylcholine injections were applied to 50 patients to reduce superficial fat deposits, a clear improvement occurred in all instances.
Treatment with Phosphatidylcholine also marked a fat deposit reduction without recurrence over a two-year follow-up period and no weight gain.

5. Fights Ulcerative Colitis
Phosphatidylcholine may help protect the large intestine wall and relieve symptoms related to ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. 
Research indicates that ulcerative colitis patients have decreased Phosphatidylcholine content, and the addition to PC to the colonic mucus helps alleviate inflammatory activity.

There are several other potential phosphatidylcholine benefits that haven’t been researched thoroughly on humans. 
These include Phosphatidylcholine’s ability to dissolve cholesterol gallstones, reduce anxiety, relieve PMS symptoms, fight acne and soothe eczema.

HOW TO USE PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Phosphatidylcholine is given in several forms, including the following:

*Mouth: 
Phosphatidylcholine supplements are available in capsule and tablet forms. 
There’s no standard recommended dose, but Phosphatidylcholine appears to be safe to take up to 30 grams per day for six weeks or up to six grams per day for two years. 
A commonly recommended dose is 840 milligrams up to twice daily.

*Injection: 
Phosphatidylcholine injections can be given under the skin by a trained professional. 
Doses should be spread apart by two to four weeks.

*Topical: 
Phosphatidylcholine is applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, acne and more. 
Phosphatidylcholine’s available in serum, ointment and oil forms. 

You can get Phosphatidylcholine naturally in food sources, which is the best way to maintain healthy levels. 
The phospholipid is found in red meat, eggs, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
1846: discovery of lecithin | 1954: identification of pathways for biosynthesis | 1990s: phosphatidylcholine shown to be essential for human health
Phosphatidylcholines (PCs) are one of the most abundant glycerophospholipids found in animal and plant eukaryotic cell membranes. 

Phosphatidylcholines were first identified as a component of egg yolk in 1846 by Theodore Gobley, who named them “lecithin”, after the Greek word for egg yolk (lekithos). 

In 1862, Adolph Strecker found that heating lecithin from bile produced a substance he called “choline”.
Lecithin was later identified as phosphatidylcholine and the two terms were often used interchangeably, though PCs are part of the broader lecithin family.

Pathways for the biosynthesis of Phosphatidylcholines were discovered in the 1950s. 
The existence of various Phosphatidylcholine molecules with fatty acyl chains of varying chain lengths and saturation statuses gave rise to a more detailed nomenclature for this family of lipids detailed below.

Phosphatidylcholine is present in multiple tissues, including brain and nerve, and can also act as an emulsifier in the lungs. 
Phosphatidylcholine is often referred to as membrane lipids, but animal and human studies have revealed roles for PCs in energy metabolism, lipoprotein transport and cell signaling.

THE BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
1. Phosphatidylcholine can boost your ability to think
A 2022 study suggests that levels of phosphatidylcholine may be directly related to Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Phosphatidylcholine may aid in liver repair
A high fat diet can negatively affect your liver and may cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver.
According to a 2022 research review, essential phospholipids rich in phosphatidylcholine are a common treatment for fatty liver disease.
The review also highlights clinical evidence that the condition can regress (reverse) after this type of treatment.

3. Phosphatidylcholine  may help protect against medication side effects
Extended use of some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause severe gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach pain, bleeding in your digestive tract, and intestinal perforation.

According to a 2013 study, long-term NSAID use may disrupt a phospholipid layer of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastrointestinal injury.
Phosphatidylcholine may help prevent NSAID-related gastrointestinal damage.

4. Phosphatidylcholine may ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes inflammation in your digestive tract. 
It may also cause ulcers.
According to a 2021 research analysis, delayed-release phosphatidylcholine could help improve quality of life in people with UC.

5. Phosphatidylcholine may help treat lipomas
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that can be painful.

6. Phosphatidylcholine may help dissolve gallstones
Gallstones are hard deposits in your gallbladder. 
They’re usually made up of undissolved cholesterol or bilirubin. 

Without treatment, they may become lodged in your bile ducts and cause severe pain or inflammation of your pancreas.
In a 2003 study, phosphatidylcholine supplementation reduced cholesterol gallstone formation in mice that were fed a high cholesterol diet. 
The researchers found that when phosphatidylcholine levels increased, cholesterol saturation levels decreased.

BENEFITS, USES, FORMS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that makes an important neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. 
Phosphatidylcholineplays a role in memory, movement and metabolism and is used to reduce fat deposits in the liver and under the skin.

The naturally occurring chemical, Phosphatidylcholine, is present in eggs, red meat, nuts and whole grains. 
Phosphatidylcholine can also be taken in supplement form.
Phosphatidylcholine’s used to fight memory loss, reduce fat deposits and support metabolic health.

BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
There are many potential phosphatidylcholine benefits. Here are just a select few. 

1. Promotes a healthy pregnancy & infant development
If phosphatidylcholine is taken during pregnancy, it may can facilitate the healthy development of lungs and lung surfactants in a growing baby, as well as promote healthy fetal growth generally. 

There is an increased demand for Phosphatidylcholine by the fetus, especially during the third trimester, so getting optimal levels is important. 
As always, check with your doctor before supplementing with phosphatidylcholine during pregnancy.

2. Supports brain health
Studies have found that Phosphatidylcholine may help with mild memory loss associated with aging and support healthy brain function.
The brain itself is 60% lipids and maintaining the right balance of phospholipids in neuronal cellular membranes is critical for brain functioning. 

It seems that both Phosphatidylcholine itself and PC as a source of choline to produce acetylcholine, one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain, contribute to maintaining brain health, including learning and memory support.

3. Mitochondrial benefits
Just like the cell membrane, Phosphatidylcholine is also the most abundant phospholipid in the mitochondrial membrane. 
You might remember from another high school biology flashback that the mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell –– this is where your energy comes from! 

So when you support your mitochondria by increasing Phosphatidylcholine levels in your body, your mitochondria are able to more easily produce energy for your cells, translating to more energy for you to accomplish challenging work tasks, wrangle kids, or get in that strength training session.    
Good mitochondrial function is also essential to protect the body against cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disease.                  

4. Supports heart health
There have been some misattributions in the past of Phosphatidylcholine promoting cardiovascular disease, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Phosphatidylcholine is an extremely valuable nutrient in supporting heart health.

The studies linking Phosphatidylcholine to an increased risk of CVD make the mistake of equating true PC with lecithin or triple lecithin, which only contains 35% PC at the most and is not prepared for optimal use by our cells. 
Make no mistake, true liposomal Phosphatidylcholine is one of the most beneficial substances our bodies need, including for cardiovascular health. 

5. Promotes healthy liver and lung function
Phosphatidylcholine is also a key component in liver health.
Phosphatidylcholine is one of the primary ingredients of bile, which helps us break down and digest fats. 

Without proper bile flow from the liver and gallbladder, our food is not digested properly, leading to fermentation and allowing microbes to proliferate where they shouldn’t exist––in the stomach and small intestine. 

Many digestive disorders can result from simply not having enough bile. 
Fortunately, supplementing Phosphatidylcholine can help restore good bile production and flow from the liver to the gallbladder to the small intestine.

As a lung surfactant, Phosphatidylcholine is a rescue molecule to acute respiratory distress in adults and children. 
Basically, the more Phosphatidylcholine available to the lungs, the better your breathing.
In this viral season, Phosphatidylcholine may provide you some extra peace of mind that your lungs are working at optimal capacity. 

6. Supports gut health
A lack of Phosphatidylcholine has fascinating connections to inflammatory bowel concerns. 
Phosphatidylcholine makes up 90% of the phospholipids in the intestinal mucosa, the mucus layer in the gut that protects the body from pathogens. 

In patients with ulcerative colitis, “mucus Phosphatidylcholine content is reduced by 70%”. 
No wonder the intestinal lining is inflamed in this condition!

This suggests that supplemental Phosphatidylcholine may help support gut health for those with this condition.
“In three clinical trials, when missing mucus Phosphatidylcholine in UC was supplemented by an oral, delayed release PC preparation, the inflammation improved and even resolved after a 3-month treatment course.” 

That’s a remarkable result for healing this difficult condition!
Of course, most of us could use a little extra support for our gut health these days, so Phosphatidylcholine could certainly be used to support even a “normal” gut.

HOW TO USE PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
There are many brands of phosphatidylcholine supplements to choose from, but they’re not all created equal. 
Because supplements aren’t well regulated, Phosphatidylcholine can be challenging to know whether you’re getting a high quality product.
Choose a brand after doing research on its reputation and quality, as supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

You should choose a brand that:
*uses facilities that adhere to the FDA’s good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
*is made with pure ingredients
*contains few or no additives
*lists active and inactive ingredients on the label
*is tested by a third party

There’s no standardized dosage recommendation for phosphatidylcholine for most conditions. 
You should always defer to the dosage provided on the product label. 
Your doctor can also help you determine a safe dosage for you.

WHAT DOES PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE DO FOR YOUR BODY?
Phosphatidylcholine is a biological substrate, a phospholipid, that contributes to cellular membrane structure and function.
You can think of Phosphatidylcholine like the building blocks that make up the cell membrane. 

There are other phospholipids that comprise the cell membrane such as phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethnalomine, but phosphatidylcholine makes up the majority of the building blocks. 

Functionally, Phosphatidylcholine enhances the free passage of nutrients into the cell while escorting waste and detritus out. 
By doing so, Phosphatidylcholine works to enhance the process of the metabolism within a cell. 
Better cell metabolism = better cellular health = a healthier you overall, largely thanks to Phosphatidylcholine.

Levels of Phosphatidylcholine decrease with age, injury, toxic exposure, pollution, pesticides, and lack of a nutrient-dense diet. 
The impact of this shift in the cell membrane is difficult to overstate. 

It involves every cell and organ of the body affecting your ability to function. 
A decline in Phosphatidylcholine, which causes a rise in sphingomyelin and cholesterol, results in a dramatic shift in cellular homeostasis.

POSSIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
*Senescence
A 2009 systematic review of clinical trials in humans found that there was not enough evidence to support supplementation of lecithin or phosphatidylcholine in dementia. 
The study found that a moderate benefit could not be ruled out until further large scale studies were performed.

*Lipolysis
Though phosphatidylcholine has been studied as an alternative to liposuction, no peer-reviewed study has shown it to have comparable effects.
Injection of phosphatidylcholine in lipomas has been studied, but the results have been mixed.

*Ulcerative colitis
Treatment of ulcerative colitis with oral intake of phosphatidylcholine has been shown to result in decreased disease activity.

BIOSYNTHESIS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Although multiple pathways exist for the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the predominant route in eukaryotes involves condensation between diacylglycerol (DAG) and cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline or citicoline). 

The conversion is mediated by the enzyme diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase. 
Another pathway, mainly operative in the liver involves methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine with S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) being the methyl group donor

PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE VS. CHOLINE
Choline and Phosphatidylcholine, or PC for short, is not a vitamin but a phospholipid, one of the key elements that make up our cell membranes. 
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid is a lipid that contains a phosphate group and is a major component of cell membranes. 
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid consists of a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail. 

The lipid bilayer acts as a barrier to the passage of molecules and ions into and out of the cell, but it also “allows selective passage of certain substances into and out of cells.” 
This ability is key to our cellular health. 

To further discuss the role phosphatidylcholine plays in your body, we need to outline the role of genetics vs. epigenetics in cellular health., while related, these are two very different key nutrients. 

Though choline is part of phosphatidylcholine (specifically, the hydrophobic head where the fatty acid tails are attached), it is not assimilated by the body while in the PC form. 

Choline, an essential nutrient related to the water-soluble B-complex vitamins, must also be supplied by dietary sources.
It’s the precursor for acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that controls neuromuscular and peripheral nervous system activity, including GI peristalsis, vasodilation, mood, sleep, thought, and cognition, among others.  

Phosphatidylcholine is what makes up our cell membrane architecture, which also enhances cell function.
When produced correctly, Phosphatidylcholine can be liposomal, meaning it passes into the bloodstream intact, bypassing digestive degradation to deliver phospholipids to every cell of every organ and organ system of the body.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
Appearance: White to pale yellow waxy solid or powder.
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling.
Melting Point: Typically between 80–160°C (varies based on composition).
Density: Approximately 1.03 g/cm³.
Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, chloroform), poorly soluble in water.
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in aqueous dispersions.
Surface Activity: Acts as an emulsifier due to its amphiphilic nature.
Appearance Form: Solid
Odor: No data available

Odor Threshold: No data available
pH: No data available
Melting point/freezing point: No data available
Initial boiling point and boiling range: No data available
Flash point: No data available
Evaporation rate: No data available
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available

Vapor pressure: No data available
Vapor density: No data available
Density: No data available
Relative density: No data available
Water solubility: No data available
Partition coefficient n-octanol/water: No data available
Autoignition temperature: No data available
Decomposition temperature: No data available
Viscosity: No data available

Viscosity, kinematic: No data available
Viscosity, dynamic: No data available
Explosive properties: No data available
Oxidizing properties: No data available
Other safety information: No data available
Chemical Formula: C44H84NO8P
Molecular Weight: 786.129 g/mol
Traditional Name: Phosphatidylcholine
CAS Registry Number: 27098-24-4

FIRST AID MEASURES of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
-Description of first-aid measures:
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
*In case of eye contact:
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
-Further information:
No data available

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
*Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Wash and dry hands.
*Body Protection:
Impervious clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Respiratory protection not required. 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Store in cool place. 
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE:
-Reactivity:
No data available
-Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
-Conditions to avoid:
No data available