Evidence supporting the use of: Lecithin
For the body system: Gall Bladder

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lecithin has traditionally been used to support gallbladder and liver health, particularly in the context of promoting healthy bile flow and reducing the risk of gallstone formation. Lecithin is a mixture of phospholipids, primarily phosphatidylcholine, and is naturally present in cell membranes and bile. Historically, practitioners of natural and complementary medicine have recommended lecithin as a supplement to help emulsify fats in the digestive tract, thereby assisting the gallbladder in its role of fat digestion and potentially decreasing the likelihood of bile becoming overly saturated with cholesterol—a risk factor for gallstone formation.

However, the scientific evidence supporting lecithin supplementation for gallbladder health in humans is limited and largely indirect. Some animal studies and in vitro research suggest that phosphatidylcholine can help keep cholesterol dissolved in bile, which theoretically reduces gallstone risk. There are also small clinical studies indicating that lecithin may help with fat metabolism, but direct evidence for preventing gallstones or supporting gallbladder function is sparse. Most of the support for lecithin’s use in this context remains rooted in traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation.

In summary, while the traditional use of lecithin for gallbladder support is well established, especially among practitioners of alternative medicine, high-quality clinical trials confirming its efficacy for this purpose are lacking.

More about lecithin
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Other body systems supported by lecithin

Acetylcholine
Brain
Gall Bladder
Hepatic System
Liver
Nerves