Taking lecithin can help keep your liver healthy, treat memory illnesses like Alzheimer’s, benefit your skin, and more. In addition, it can lower cholesterol levels and reduce breast-feeding complications in pregnant women.
It also may increase your resilience to stress, which is good for your health. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Common Side Effects
Lecithin is a fat-soluble nutrient that is often found in food. It helps stabilize ingredients that don’t mix easily, such as oil and water. It also extends the shelf life of foods, cosmetics, and medications.
Taking lecithin supplements can help improve health conditions like high cholesterol, liver and cell function, arthritis, hair and skin, and digestive issues. It may also be helpful in reducing fatigue.
It can be taken as a capsule or as a liquid supplement. The best source of lecithin is from eggs, soybeans, or sunflower seeds.
Research suggests lecithin can improve blood flow and nerve conduction velocity in the brain and spinal cord. It can also improve the health of your liver and reduce inflammation.
Sunflower lecithin may also improve your ability to sleep and promote a healthy wake-sleep cycle. It can also increase the production of serotonin, a hormone that promotes happiness and relaxation.
However, some people have experienced negative side effects when taking lecithin. They might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty swallowing.
For this reason, it is important to speak with your doctor before starting lecithin supplements. This will help you decide on the best dose for your specific condition.
The most common side effect of taking lecithin is nausea, which can happen in the first few days. It is not a major problem, but it may be uncomfortable to deal with.
There is also a risk of a reaction to lecithin in people with an allergy to soy proteins. If you have a soy allergy, talk to your doctor before taking this supplement.
In a study, soy lecithin decreased fatigue and raised vigor in menopausal women. It also reduced diastolic blood pressure and CAVI (chronic venous insufficiency).
This study was conducted in Japan. It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
The participants were given lecithin at a dose of 1200 mg daily. It was also administered with vitamin B6 and choline to enhance its effectiveness.
Soy lecithin improved fatigue, increased vigor, and improved various health parameters in Japanese middle-aged women who had complaints of fatigue. It also lowered blood pressure and CAVI in these women. This was a positive finding, especially for menopausal women who are struggling with fatigue and other symptoms.
Diarrhea
Lecithin is an emulsifier that’s found in many foods and supplements. It’s an important source of choline, an essential nutrient that promotes heart health, brain health, and more. It’s also a good source of phospholipids and fatty acids that help keep your body’s tissues healthy and functioning properly.
It’s made from various plant and animal sources, including soy, egg yolks, and sunflower seeds. Depending on the type of lecithin you take, it can have a variety of different side effects.
Soy lecithin is typically derived from genetically modified soybeans, so it’s a good idea to look for organic versions when possible. It may also be best to avoid soy lecithin if you’re allergic to soy or if you have a sensitivity to soy protein.
Sunflower lecithin is made from non-GMO sunflowers and doesn’t require the harsh chemicals that soy lecithin uses during extraction. It’s also a great option for people who are vegan or following a gluten-free diet.
It is also good for those with digestive problems, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Studies have shown that consuming sunflower lecithin can help reduce the risk of these diseases by improving heart health and lowering cholesterol levels.
In addition, lecithin can improve a wide range of other health conditions, including gastrointestinal illnesses and skin disorders. It can also help ease menopausal symptoms, boost immunity, and support mental health.
Taking it in capsule, liquid, or granule form is a convenient way to boost your daily lecithin intake. It can also be taken on an empty stomach to increase absorption.
Some people may have diarrhea when they first start taking lecithin, but it usually goes away within a few days. You might want to talk with a healthcare provider about the right dosage and how to safely use it to prevent diarrhea from recurring.
A bacterial infection or food poisoning often causes diarrhea. However, it can also be a sign of other serious medical issues.
Call your doctor immediately to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing diarrhea. You should not try to self-treat it with a laxative or antidiarrheal.
Nausea
Lecithin is a substance that’s commonly found in food products and health supplements. It’s a source of choline, fatty acids, and phospholipids. It’s also an emulsifier and an anti-sticking agent.
It’s often derived from soybeans but can also be extracted from other sources like corn. Soy lecithin is a common additive in processed foods, and it’s also used in many health supplements.
But soy lecithin can have some unpleasant side effects, including nausea and vomiting. It can also be a kidney and liver disease risk factor, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking it.
Nausea is one of the most common side effects, and a variety of things can cause it. If you have a history of nausea, it may be better to choose an alternative dietary supplement or avoid the product altogether.
Some people may also have a reaction to soy lecithin if they have a soy allergy or other medical condition. This may cause hives and itching, which can be uncomfortable.
You should also avoid soy lecithin if you have thyroid problems or a condition that causes your body to produce too much thyroid hormone. It’s also possible to get an allergic reaction to soy lecithin containing genetically modified soy, so it’s best to stick with organic options.
Other dietary alternatives to soy lecithin, such as sunflower lecithin, are safer for the body. Sunflower lecithin is a natural emulsifier that doesn’t contain GMOs and doesn’t have any other toxic substances.
In addition, sunflower lecithin doesn’t have the same estrogen-like effects that soy does, so it’s more suitable for women. Moreover, it’s been shown to improve cognitive function in elderly adults and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Another side effect of soy lecithin is the possible formation of carcinogenic dimethylnitrosamine if it’s heated with sodium nitrite. It’s unknown whether this happens in real-world foods, but it could be a concern if you consume large quantities of soy products or use health supplements that contain soy lecithin.
Other side effects include a reduction in appetite and stomach pain. It can also affect your blood sugar levels, so watching your intake closely is important.
Vomiting
Lecithin is an emulsifier and an ingredient in many foods. It’s commonly used in dairy products but also in eggs and other plant-based foods.
Ingesting too much lecithin can cause vomiting. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before taking a high dose of lecithin. You should also avoid taking it if you’re allergic to soy.
The most common side effect of eating foods containing lecithin is nausea. In addition, some people develop a rash from the substance.
It’s best to read food labels and choose only organic products with soy lecithin. This is especially important if you have a soy allergy or are sensitive to the chemical hexane.
Hexane is a toxic chemical used in the extraction process of soy lecithin, and it can cause several side effects. The Environmental Protection Agency lists several dangerous symptoms of inhaling hexane, including dizziness and headaches.
Another potential side effect of lecithin is that it can contain a compound called goitrogens, which can disrupt the hormone system and lead to thyroid issues. This isn’t a risk for everyone, but if you have thyroid problems or are otherwise at a higher risk of developing them, be sure to stay away from soy products that contain soy lecithin.
Soy lecithin is also usually contaminated with pesticides and insecticides, which can make it unsafe for those who have allergies to these chemicals. The same goes for people who are allergic to soy since it can make them itch and have hives.
Ingesting too much soy lecithin can also cause other digestive side effects, like diarrhea. It’s best to avoid it if you have irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or any other condition that affects your digestion.
This is particularly true for pregnant or nursing women, so it’s best to stick to the recommended amounts of foods containing soy lecithin.
There isn’t a lot of information about how safe it is to use in larger doses when pregnant or breastfeeding, so it’s best to keep your intake low. It’s not known if it’s safe to take more than the recommended amount when taking prescription medications or other nutritional supplements, so be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before using lecithin at a high dose.
