Functions and commercial uses of lecithin

Lecithin, a common name for PC, is a natural emulsifier found in egg yolk. It is present in bile and helps prevent the formation of gallstones by stabilizing bile cholesterol. In addition, lecithin present in bile excreted into the intestine aids in fat digestion. Lecithin is widely used in foods such as margarines and salad dressings to stabilize the fat components, thus preventing the separation of the fat and water components. In addition, lecithin is used in non-food products such as soaps, paints and cosmetics (Brown, 1990). 

Many magical effects of lecithin have been proposed by health food advocates such as the prevention or curing of memory loss, arthritis, high blood cholesterol and nervous disorders, to name a few. However, these proposed nutritional benefits of lecithin supplements have not been scientifically proven (Brown, 1990). 

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