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Fat

Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine, or PC, is a phospholipid used in cell membranes. Lecithin is a mixture rich in PC, not another name for pure PC.

Also listed as PC

Essential HealthLongevityOrgan FunctionGut HealthCognition

What happened to the colitis research?

An early trial of modified-release PC improved disease-activity scores in ulcerative colitis. A later induction trial involving 466 patients stopped early for futility: adding LT-02 to mesalamine did not improve the trial’s strict remission outcome, which combined symptom control and bowel-lining improvement. The smaller maintenance study also found no significant remission benefit, leaving that question less firmly resolved. 1 2

Gut healthMixed

Early signals did not translate into successful induction of remission in the larger LT-02 trial. 1 2

Why is PC discussed for liver health?

Choline, particularly PC, helps transport fat out of the liver. Choline deficiency can cause fatty liver, but treating deficiency and treating fatty liver from other causes are different questions; NIH describes treatment evidence as limited. 3

Does a membrane ingredient improve memory?

The EU’s 2013 claims register records that the cognitive-function claims assessed for PC and lecithin were not substantiated. A biological role in cells therefore should not be presented as a demonstrated memory benefit from capsules. 4

MemoryToo little evidence

The assessed cognitive claims lacked substantiation. 4

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Essential Health1 effect

Essential HealthModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Longevity1 effect

Oxidative stressLongevityModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Organ Function1 effect

Liver healthOrgan FunctionModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Cognition3 effects

Mental EnergyCognitionSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

MemoryCognitionSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Brain FogCognitionSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

All studies

2 publications are linked to Phosphatidylcholine, newest first.

Exploring the Phosphatidylcholine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Potential Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions.2022Effect of Choline Forms and Gut Microbiota Composition on Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Response in Healthy Men2020

Sources