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Phosphatidyl choline (PC) is a fat-soluble substance known as a
phospholipid. Phospholipids are essential components of cell
membranes. Phosphatidylcholine's role in the maintenance of cell
membrane integrity is vital to all of the basic biological
processes: information flow, intracellular communication, and
bioenergetics. The commercial term for PC is "lecithin". When people
refer to lecithin they are usually referring to supplements high in
phosphatidyl choline. Supplements labeled as “lecithin” may contain
from 10 to 20% PC. However, pure PC supplements are generally
labeled as “phosphatidylcholine.”
In addition to providing
choline needed for cell membrane integrity, PC is also an essential
component of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter required for normal
brain activity. Although the human body can synthesize choline,
additional amounts from the diet are considered essential under
certain circumstances. Consequently, PC has been employed by
researchers in a number of studies for use in connection with
various neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, these
studies did not draw any conclusive results regarding PC
supplementation.
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