What does the body need lecithin for?
Scientists have been studying the beneficial properties of phospholipids since the middle of the XIX century. Lecithin refers to fat-soluble substances that perform many important functions. Inositol and choline are involved in the formation of cell membranes and the transmission of nerve signals. Lecithin promotes normal cholesterol metabolism, metabolism and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Its deficit has a negative impact on the health of men and women. The body synthesizes a small amount of phospholipids on its own. He gets the rest from food and dietary supplements.
The role of lecithin in the brain and liver
Choline has a beneficial effect on higher cortical functions: speech, memory and motor skills. Lecithin accelerates oxidative processes in the body, improving brain function. Its chemical activity slows down with a deficiency of phospholipids.
Lack of acetylcholine, a phosphatidylcholine derivative, leads to the following pathologies:
- Alzheimer’s-type dementia;
- cerebral infarction;
- neurodegenerative diseases.
Phospholipids act as a building material for liver cells. The lecithin included in the membranes makes them pliable and flexible. This allows cells to easily adapt to changing environmental conditions. Hepatocytes consist of 65% of phospholipids. For this organ, they are the main source of essential fatty acids.
Scientific studies have shown that lecithin:
- stimulates liver regeneration;
- restores its slobed and beam structure;
- participates in contacts between hepatocytes and venous vessels;
- promotes the removal of toxins from the organ.
Essential phospholipids are used in the treatment of fatty hepatosis. They regulate tissue respiration and ion exchange, are responsible for the biological oxidation of hepatocytes.
The drug is used to treat diseases of the central nervous system, blood vessels, heart, gastrointestinal tract, brain and their prevention. One capsule of lecithin from Grassberg contains 1200 mg of the active substance. This is enough to replenish the body’s daily need for phospholipids.
Features of lecithin use
The biologically active substance enters the body from products and dietary supplements. The daily dose of phospholipids is calculated by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s gender, lifestyle and age. The specialist will tell you in detail why you need lecithin. For example, the intake of food supplements is indicated for intensive sports, psycho-emotional and mental stress. Lecithin is also prescribed for dermatitis and other skin diseases, pathologies of the stomach and bile.
Children need to receive 1-4 g of lecithin daily. The daily requirement in adults varies within 5-7 g. The amount and dosage of dietary supplements taken depends on the diet. If the menu includes liver, egg yolk, fish caviar, beef, sunflower and other vegetable oils, phospholipids are enough for the normal functioning of the body.
Lecithin deficiency in children
Phospholipids are required by the child’s body from the first days of life. Lecithin deficiency in newborns is manifested by intracranial hypertension and the development of vitamin D-deficient rickets. Children also have tearfulness and increased irritability.
Why does a child’s body need lecithin? The lack of phospholipids is fraught with:
- delayed psychomotor and speech development, including early childhood autism;
- cognitive function disorder (deterioration of attention, memory, speed of thinking);
- seizures of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, which often occurs under the age of 18;
- increased fatigue, fatigue and other astheno-neurotic reactions.
Lecithin supplements are used to treat children with hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Phospholipids are taken for the production of acetylcholine by the body. The substance participates in the conduction of nerve impulses, ensures optimal functioning of the nervous system. Food supplements also contribute to the normalization of catecholamine metabolism in children with ADHD.
Improving motor skills, attention and memory – that’s what the body needs lecithin for. It also helps to improve the indicators of vegetative support and physical activity in children.
Harm of lecithin
An excess of any substance is fraught with a violation of the balance of the body. Exceeding the dosage of drugs with phospholipids leads to nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain. A substance obtained from legumes grown with the use of GMOs can cause allergies. In this case, you should switch to sunflower vegetable oil. Or start using dietary supplements that do not contain soy.