The concentrated one
Concentrated phosphatidylcholine softgels
Gives you much more PC per dose than lecithin.
Good for: Everyday use
What variations of phosphatidylcholine exist?
The main fat-like building block of cell membranes and a natural source of choline. It's mainly used for liver support. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Easy to take: the spoonful one (Liquid or liposomal phosphatidylcholine)
Every form, in plain words
The concentrated one
Concentrated phosphatidylcholine softgels
Gives you much more PC per dose than lecithin.
Good for: Everyday use
The liver one
Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC)
A purified form studied for liver health.
The spoonful one
Liquid or liposomal phosphatidylcholine
Easy to take by the spoonful or in a drink, though the taste can be strong.
Good for: Easy to take
Usually skip
- The diluted one (Lecithin granules or softgels)Only part of lecithin is PC, so you get much less.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Concentrated phosphatidylcholine softgels' on the label (the concentrated one)
Watch out for
- 'Lecithin' sold as if it were pure phosphatidylcholine
- Only the total lecithin or phospholipids is listed, not the PC amount
Check with your provider first if…
- You're allergic to soy or sunflower, depending on the source
- Loose stools, an upset stomach, or a fishy body odor at higher amounts
- You have trimethylaminuria (a condition that causes a fishy body odor)
- You take a memory medicine like donepezil, or a drug that blocks acetylcholine (such as some bladder or allergy medicines)
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask which choline form and how much is right for you.
In the Lesher Wellness store
One product in the store has phosphatidylcholine. Here's which form, where the label says.
Medical Disclaimer
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Codeage
Liposomal Vitamin C+
Has lecithin granules (the diluted one)
450 mg per serving
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Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.