Phosphatidylcholine: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Family or group:
Fatty Acids
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Ulcerative colitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Phosphatidylcholine has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and remission rates in patients with ulcerative colitis. Clinical research indicates that taking slow-release phospholipids rich in phosphatidylcholine (Sterpur P-30 granules) at doses of 1 to 4 g per day for 3 months can significantly increase the chances of clinical remission. A pooled analysis of three randomized clinical trials showed that 49% of patients with chronic active ulcerative colitis achieved clinical remission with phosphatidylcholine, compared with those receiving placebo.
Posologie
Oral
1 - 4 g
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Phosphatidylcholine may play a key role in preventing cognitive decline. A population study of 1,259 men in Finland found that those with the highest daily intake of phosphatidylcholine had a 28% reduced risk of developing dementia compared with those with the lowest intake, over an average follow-up period of 22 years. In addition, preliminary clinical evidence indicates that a single 25 g dose of phosphatidylcholine can improve certain measures of memory in healthy university students, highlighting phosphatidylcholine's potential to support cognitive function and help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Posologie
Oral
25 g
Liver disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine shows mixed results in the treatment of liver disorders. Although one study did not show a significant improvement in survival among patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis after 24 months of treatment at 6 grams per day, it appears to reduce mortality in patients with subacute liver failure, but not acute. In cases of chronic hepatitis C, phosphatidylcholine combined with interferon helped reduce liver enzymes. Furthermore, taking 600 mg three times daily for 24 weeks improved liver echogenicity and structure on ultrasound, indicating a reduction in steatosis, although liver function tests showed great variability. In addition, a 12-month treatment with a combination of silymarin (the active component of milk thistle), phosphatidylcholine and vitamin E improved liver function tests and liver histology in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, highlighting the potential of phosphatidylcholine in supporting liver health.
Posologie
Oral
1 g
Synergies
Polyunsaturated phosphatidyl-choline and interferon alpha for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Leich Study Group
Effectiveness of phosphatidylcholine in alleviating steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiometabolic comorbidities (MANPOWER study)
Effectiveness of phosphatidylcholine as adjunctive therapy in improving liver function tests in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic comorbidities: real-life observational study from Russia
Properties
Neurological
Phosphatidylcholine is the primary source of choline, the precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory. Although it is not clear whether ingesting phosphatidylcholine increases acetylcholine levels, in animals with low acetylcholine levels, such as those with dementia, phosphatidylcholine supplements may increase acetylcholine levels.
Usages associés
Hepatoprotective
Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine may protect against alcohol-induced liver fibrosis and oxidative stress, although the exact mechanisms are still unknown. In animal and in vitro models, it has shown protection against various types of experimental liver injury. Phosphatidylcholine is incorporated into hepatocyte plasma membranes, thereby improving membrane morphology, fluidity, and function.
Usages associés
Digestive effect
Phosphatidylcholine is present in colonic mucus and contributes to the protection of the colon. Patients with reduced levels of phosphatidylcholine in the mucosa have a decreased hydrophobic barrier, which can lead to inflammation and ulceration. In animal studies, phosphatidylcholine has demonstrated a key role in defending the gastrointestinal mucosa; it protects against experimentally induced colitis. Preliminary clinical research shows that a slow-release, phosphatidylcholine-rich product improves disease scores in adults with ulcerative colitis.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 1 g - 6 g
Oral use of phosphatidylcholine is safe, even at high doses up to 30 g per day for 6 weeks. Lower doses up to 6 g per day have been well tolerated for up to 24 months.
Pregnant woman: 1 g - 5 g
Use of up to 5 g during pregnancy does not pose safety concerns.
