The Effect of Lecithin Supplementation on Human Blood Lipids, Coagulability, and Otolesterol Esterification

approved: Elisabeth S..'Yearick A study was made of the effects of lecithin supplementation in order to assess possible changes in plasma factors related to atherosclerosis. Subjects were 30 middle-aged males, mean age 49; the group was fairly sedentary, but had low blood cholesterol (mean, 202 mg/dl), and was on the average only 5% above their desirable weight for height. Their recorded, free-living dietary intakes were low in calories (mean, 2209), fat (mean, 90 g), and cholesterol (mean, 311 mg), but the majority had adequate intakes of required nutrients. The treatment given was 10.8 g soya lecithin per day, taken in capsular form with meals; the experimental period lasted six weeks. A 19% increase in plasma triglycerides was noted after lecithin supplementation. No changes in plasma cholesterol, phosphatidyl choline, or lysophosphatidyl choline were seen. The percent of lipoproteins as LDL decreased slightly; HDL and VLDL did not change