When medical researchers use the term “lecithin”, they are referring to a purified substance called phosphatidylcholine (PC). Supplements labeled as “lecithin” usually contain 10–20% PC. Relatively pure PC supplements are generally labeled as “phosphatidylcholine”. PC best duplicates supplements used in medical research. Choline by itself (without the “phosphatidyl” group) is also available in foods and supplements. In high amounts, however, pure choline can make people smell like fish, so it’s rarely used, except in the small amounts found in multivitamin supplements.

PC acts as a supplier of choline. Choline is now considered an essential nutrient, needed for cell membrane integrity and to facilitate the movement of fats in and out of cells. It is also a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and is needed for normal brain functioning, particularly in infants. For this reason, PC has been used in a number of preliminary studies for a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders [Am J Psychiatry 1995;152: pp.1084–6] , though not every study suggests that supplemental choline is capable of reaching the brain.[Biol Psychiatry 1999;46: pp.406–11] Choline participates in many functions involving cellular components called phospholipids.

Choline, the major constituent of PC, is found in soybeans, liver, oatmeal, cabbage, and cauliflower. Egg yolks, meat, and some vegetables contain PC. Lecithin (containing 10–20% PC) is added to many processed foods in small amounts, for the purpose of maintaining texture consistency.


While scientists have investigated the potential therapeutic benefits of natural acetylcholine precursor compounds such as lecithin and choline, the results have been disappointing. After it became clear that choline and lecithin were not significantly reversing cognitive decline, researchers began looking at a newer compound derived from PC called L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC). Results were dramatically different. The brain converts GPC into acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter whose decline is centrally implicated in brain aging and neurodegeneration. GPC is currently available in the US as an OTC supplement.

GPC has been directly compared to some popular, brain-enhancing substances like oxiracetam and acetyl-L-carnitine. Cognitive improvement scores among GPC patients were similar to those seen in patients taking oxiracetam. Tests comparing the efficacy of GPC versus acetyl-L-carnitine demonstrated that GPC delivers superior cognitive benefits.

GPC therapy has already been proven beneficial in humans and is available for about 1/3 the cost of some popular prescription drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer's symptoms like the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Aricept (donepezil HCl) and Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate).

The minimum suggested dose for healthy people is 600mg a day. For those desiring reversal of cognitive decline the suggested dose is 600mg BID (1200mg per day). Less than 10% of patients experienced any side effects, the most common being constipation and nervousness.

Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your health care professional before using this product if you are currently taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as rivastigmine (Exelon) or Donepezil (Aricept) or if you experience side effects such as heartburn, nausea, insomnia or headache.