What is lecithin?
The use of lecithin in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Lecithin is also known as lecithol, vitellin, kelecin, and granulestin. Lecithin is a naturally
occurring substance found in beef liver, steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower, and oranges. Commercial
lecithin products usually come from soybeans, egg yolk, or brain tissue.
Lecithin has been used in the treatment and/or prevention of high cholesterol levels, neurologic
disorders, and liver ailments.
Lecithin has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of lecithin may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Lecithin may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lecithin?
Talk to your doctor before taking lecithin if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or
if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Lecithin may not be recommended in some
situations.
Do not
take lecithin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant. Lecithin is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Do not
take lecithin without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
There is no information available regarding the use of lecithin by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take lecithin?
The use of lecithin in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to use lecithin, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor,
pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Lecithin is available in pill, granule, paste, and liquid formulations. Other formulations may also
be available.
Do not take more of this product than is directed.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquid, and others) of lecithin at the same
time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations
together increases the risk of an overdose of lecithin.
Store lecithin as directed on the package. In general, lecithin should be protected from light and
moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of lecithin?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of lecithin. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about lecithin?
Your pharmacist has information about lecithin written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of lecithin?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to lecithin have been reported. Stop taking lecithin
and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have also been infrequently reported. Talk to your doctor or
pharmacist if you experience
-
decreased appetite,
-
nausea, or
-
increased salivation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about lecithin?
Lecithin has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of lecithin may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking lecithin?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking lecithin, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect lecithin?
There are no reported interactions between lecithin and other medications. Talk to your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
other herbal/health supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of lecithin?