- Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant of the phospholipids, a class of specialized fat molecules, in plant and animal cells. Phosphatidylcholine is a key building block of cell membranes (the lining around each cell). It is also a precursor of acetylcholine, a compound required for normal brain activity.
- Although phosphatidylcholine is present in almost all cells in the body, the highest concentrations may be found in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney. Liver, egg yolk, and peanuts are rich sources of dietary phosphatidylcholine.
- For human health, phosphatidylcholine is most commonly used to treat liver conditions. There is some evidence of benefit in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and drug-induced high blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Injectable phosphatidylcholine has been used as an alternative to liposuction to break down localized fat deposits.
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Phosphatidylcholine
Contents
- Ablon G, Rotunda AM. Treatment of lower eyelid fat pads using phosphatidylcholine: clinical trial and review. Dermatol Surg 2004;30(3):422-427. View Abstract
- Guan R, Ho KY, Kang JY, et al. The effect of polyunsaturated phosphatidyl choline in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1995;9(6):699-703. View Abstract
- Hexsel D, Serra M, Mazzuco R, et al. Phosphatidylcholine in the treatment of localized fat. J Drugs Dermatol 2003;2(5):511-518. View Abstract
- Holecek M, Mraz J, Koldova P, et al. Effect of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine on liver regeneration onset after hepatectomy in the rat. Arzneimittelforschung 1992;42(3):337-339. View Abstract
- Jenkins PJ, Portmann BP, Eddleston AL, et al. Use of polyunsaturated phosphatidyl choline in HBsAg negative chronic active hepatitis: results of prospective double-blind controlled trial. Liver 1982;2(2):77-81. View Abstract
- Jenness R. The composition of human milk. Semin Perinatol 1979;3(3):225-239. View Abstract
- Li Z, Vance DE. Phosphatidylcholine and choline homeostasis. J Lipid Res 2008;49(6):1187-1194. View Abstract
- Neuberger J, Hegarty JE, Eddleston AL, et al. Effect of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine on immune mediated hepatocyte damage. Gut 1983;24(8):751-755. View Abstract
- Niederau C, Strohmeyer G, Heintges T, et al. 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. Hepatogastroenterology 1998;45(21):797-804. View Abstract
- Panos JM, Palson R, Johnson R, et al. Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine for acute alcoholic hepatitis: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. Eur J Gastroenterol 1990;2:351-355.
- Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of lower lid bulging due to prominent fat pads. Dermatol Surg 2001;27(4):391-392. View Abstract
- Rotunda AM. Injectable treatments for adipose tissue: terminology, mechanism, and tissue interaction. Lasers Surg Med 2009;41(10):714-20. View Abstract
- Schneider J, Muller R, Buberl W, et al. Effect of polyenyl phosphatidyl choline on clofibrate-induced increase in LDL cholesterol. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1979;15(1):15-19. View Abstract
- Singh NK, Prasad RC. A pilot study of polyunsaturated phosphatidyl choline in fulminant and subacute hepatic failure. J Assoc Physicians India 1998;46(6):530-532. View Abstract
- Stremmel W, Merle U, Zahn A, et al. Retarded release phosphatidylcholine benefits patients with chronic active ulcerative colitis. Gut 2005;54(7):966-971. View Abstract
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
