Lecithin belongs to a class of lipids (fats) known as phospholipids, because they contain phosphorus. Lecithin also contains choline, which can be used to make a brain chemical, acetylcholine , used to transmit information between some nerve cells, and also between nerve and muscle. Only in one rare disorder of movement,'tardive dyskinesia' , has dietary choline supplementation been shown to be of value. Lecithin also contains fatty acids, which may be saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. These same fatty acids can be obtained from lipids other than lecithin.

Lecithin is not an essential dietary item as the body can produce enough of its own. It is a component of bile, produced by the liver, which is used to aid the digestion of fat.

Lecithin is sometimes used as a food additive. It acts as an emulsifier and helps to disperse oils in water. It can be found in chocolate, salad dressings, frozen desserts and baked goods. The lecithin occurring naturally in eggs helps to perform the same function.

LECITHIN INTAKE

The safe and adequate intake of lecithin has not been specified.

FIGURE 63: TYPE OF FATTY ACID IN SOME LECITHIN-CONTAINING FOODS

FOOD	MAIN TYPE OF FATTY ACIDS PRESENT
Good source:
Brains Egg yolks Kidney Liver Meat Soya beans Whole grains Milk	Polyunsaturated Saturated Saturated Saturated Saturated Polyunsaturated Polyunsaturated Saturated
Poor source:
Fruits Vegetables	Various Various

	Other Chemical Elements in Food
	-	Other Elements
		Lecithin
	-	Caffine
	-	Gluten

Also on this page:

-  Lecithin intake
-  Figure 63: Fatty acid
   types in lecitin foods