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How do I Choose the Best Lecithin Supplement?

Angela Crout-Mitchell
Angela Crout-Mitchell

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best lecithin supplement for health and dietary needs, including the source of the supplement, whether or not the manufacturing company is Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) complacent, and the proper dosage. Many people choose to take this antioxidant supplement to provide the needed lipid fats required for building every type of cell membrane in the body. This unique supplement also acts as a natural fat emulsifier, helping the digestive system to mix fat and cholesterol with water for easier removal from the body. Not only is lecithin found in commercial supplements, it can also be found naturally in foods such as eggs, animal organs, and fats. People at risk for heart disease and obesity often find taking the supplement is a safer course of action than overusing the natural sources of these phosphospholipids.

One of the things to check for when purchasing lecithin supplement products is the manufacturer or source. Most health experts suggest purchasing these supplements from companies that adhere to the GMP standards of production. These companies choose to maintain high standards during every aspect of production, despite the fact that some regions have no official governing body in regard to the effectiveness and safety of herbal and nutritional supplements.

Lecithin may be found naturally in animal organs.
Lecithin may be found naturally in animal organs.

When selecting a lecithin supplement, it is also important to choose one offered in the correct dosage. For most people, taking 10 to 30 grams daily is generally considered safe, but too high of a dosage can result in stomach upset and diarrhea. Supplements may come in granulated or capsule form, with varying concentrations.

Taking a lecithin supplement is believed to promote good health in a variety of ways in addition to aiding cell production and removing unhealthy fats from the body. Some medical professionals advise people with liver dysfunctions such as cirrhosis, fatty diabetic liver, and drug induced liver damage to take lecithin to support healing and improved function. It has also been used with success in cases of alcohol induced liver damage and toxic liver illnesses.

Side effects of lecithin supplements may include stomach pain.
Side effects of lecithin supplements may include stomach pain.

Some studies have suggested that taking a good quality lecithin supplement is beneficial in preventing the appearance of gall stones and gall bladder disease in some patients. The presence of gall stones is more likely when the bile produced by the body is low in lecithin. For this reason, experts believe the supplements supply the needed amount, reducing the possibility of this painful condition. Some doctors and many holistic practitioners often suggest that patients at high risk for gall bladder disease take lecithin before the condition develops.

Discussion Comments

anon998234

Sucess! Only been on lecithin six days, felt much more calm after only three. Chronic pain much easier to bear due to much improved mood. Waking up less.

Drug cravings down. Finding it easier to wait until my next dose of morphine. Laughing a lot more, even at things that usually would have me fuming or afraid. Amazing to improve so fast and so much after 25 years of anxiety, and decades of other problems too (see below).

Lecithin also helps boost the power of other meds too. See below.

Details of dose/use:

I've been taking NOW brand, liquid Sunflower Lecithin for just six days. Taking 2-3 teaspoons a day. I have also tried mixing it with 40mg CBD oil (Brand-Dutch Natural Healing. 800mg/10ml for around £20 if you buy in bulk and get a discount code. Very good brand. Loved on Reddit CBD group).

You can use lecithin to get CBD oil (and I presume other oil based meds?) to dissolve in water, which makes it much easier for the body to absorb. Meaning lower dose gives better effect (feels as if it makes it about 2X as effective).

More about my illness/what else helped me:

I've been ill with severe M.E, anxiety/PTSD, IBS/malabsorption, hypothyroidism and opiate addiction due to untreated pain for 17 years. I tried so many supplements over the years. Quite a few things did help, but not enough.

For me, the best have been lots of magnesium oil, other liquid minerals (rub them into skin), CBD oil/hemp tea, and now lecithin.

Re-other minerals. I find supplements work best for me when rubbed into the skin (transdermal). So I buy MMM from Dr Myhill, and mix with water and rub in. Also copper, manganese, strontium, zinc drops. Again, mix with water and rub into skin. For me, strontium is the most calming.

She treats M.E and quite a few other illnesses using diet and supps. I haven't recovered, but have found significant relief from some symptoms. Without them, I can barely get out of bed and just want to be unconscious. With them, I have something of a life and can even go out a few times a week. It might not sound like much, but for me, it's a big improvement in my quality of life.

candyquilt

@turquoise-- There are capsule lecithin supplements?! I thought there were only liquid lecithin and lecithin flakes. I'll take the flakes over the liquid any day. The liquid is horrible.

The only other thing I pay attention to with lecithin supplements is the additional ingredients. I was shocked to find out that some contain sugar and starches. So I only get the ones without these additives. Also, I keep my lecithin supplements in the fridge. Since it's a natural oil, it can go bad quickly at room temperature.

turquoise

@ddljohn-- I don't think you need to take anything in addition to it to get benefits. I've never seen "organic" lecithin, but it should be food based lecithin for best absorption.

There are lecithin capsules as well as lecithin granules that can be sprinkled on food. Which you get is your preference. I've tried the granules and it doesn't taste that great, so I prefer the capsules.

As always, do a little background check on the manufacturer before investing in the product. I personally get my supplements from a high end natural market and occasionally from the pharmacy. I think the ones sold online are less reliable.

ddljohn

I have two questions about lecithin supplements. First, does it matter if it is organic or not? And second, some suggest taking additional vitamin supplements to improve the effectiveness of the lecithin like glucosamine. Is this necessary?

I'm planning on taking lecithin for cellulite.

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    • Lecithin may be found naturally in animal organs.
      By: sassyphotos
      Lecithin may be found naturally in animal organs.
    • Side effects of lecithin supplements may include stomach pain.
      By: leungchopan
      Side effects of lecithin supplements may include stomach pain.
    • Lecithin in some supplements is extracted from eggs.
      By: CrackerClips
      Lecithin in some supplements is extracted from eggs.
    • Lecithin is often used as a supplement to assist in weight loss.
      By: Elenathewise
      Lecithin is often used as a supplement to assist in weight loss.
    • Soy lecithin may help prevent the development of gallstones.
      By: roblan
      Soy lecithin may help prevent the development of gallstones.