Soybean Lecithin is claimed to be an excellent source of essential fatty acids sourced from Lecithin. Specific benefits mentioned by the manufacturer Standard Process include support for the liver’s ability to process fats, support of the cognitive function and neurotransmitter activity, support for cell membranes and nerve function.
The manufacturing company Standard Process has a vast experience on the dietary supplements market. Since more than 80 years ago when the company was established, hundreds of different products have been manufactured and distributed all around the world. Today, the company manufactures dietary supplements, herbal formulations and veterinary products in compliance with GMP requirements set forth by the FDA, including their bovine-based supplement, Catalyn.
Soybean Lecithin was first introduced on the market in 1938 and is recommended to adults.
1) Soybean Lecithin Quick Facts
Soybean Lecithin features the phospholipid Lecithin, a substance which is important to numerous body functions, most related to the nervous and circulatory systems. Other benefits are related to the liver and the gallbladder.Lecithin contains among other compounds Choline, Phosphorus, Linoleic acid, and Inositol. Soybean Lecithin uses lecithin derived from soybeans. Other supplements may contain extracts from egg yolks or animal brain tissue.
Lecithin is composed of mostly of fat; therefore it has a protective role for the cell membranes, mainly composed of phospholipids. Strengthening membranes and preventing them from hardening may contribute to preventing artery diseases, such as arteriosclerosis.
The brain benefits of Lecithin are mainly accounted on its Choline contents, which is a precursor of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is involved in sustaining attention, sensory perception, short term memory and REM sleep. This is why research and clinical testing has investigated potential benefits of soy Lecithin in memory and learning enhancing, and Alzheimer’s disease treatment and prevention. Lecithin may also help with certain anxiety diseases management, including social anxiety and panic disorder. Research so far is however inconclusive.
2) Soybean Lecithin Ingredients
Standard Process Cataplex B12 includes the following ingredients: Soybean Lecithin, Soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, water, and carob.
3) Does Soybean Lecithin Work?
Soybean Lecithin is composed of Lecithin, which is a phospholipid with various benefits upon bodily functions, most of them regarding the circulatory and nervous system. Other positive effects are related to the gallbladder and the liver. Among the main active compounds of Lecithin are Linoleic Acid, Inositol, Choline, and Phosphorus. The only lecithin derived from soybeans is used for the production of Standard Process Soybean. In comparison, other dietary supplements may contain extracts from yolks, animal brain tissue or egg.
Because lecithin is mostly composed of fat, it possesses a protective role when it comes to the cell membranes that mainly feature phospholipids. Strengthening of the membranes while preventing them from hardening, it contributes to preventing some artery diseases like arteriosclerosis.
The benefits of the brain from lecithin are due to its Choline content. Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This particular neurotransmitter is involved in supporting sensory perceptions and sustaining attention, REM sleep and short-term memory. This is the reason why potential effects of soy have been investigated through some clinical studies. Moreover, lecithin may treat or prevent symptoms related to some neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
Even though there are no side-effects reported by the company, Lecithin has previously been associated with diarrhea, nausea, fullness and abdominal pain. The lack of client testimonials interferes with the possibility of generally stating the efficacy of this particular formula.
4) Soybean Lecithin: Pros and Cons
- The product may be considered cheap (approximately $30 for eight months’ supply)
- The formula is offered by a reputable manufacturer and has been sold since 1938
5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Soybean Lecithin
- Most of lecithin’s benefits are not supported by scientific evidence
- There is a limited number of consumer reviews
- Certain side effects have been associated to the use of Lecithin
6) How Much Does Soybean Lecithin Cost?
Soybean Lecithin is sold in the form of poles, and a bottle contains two hundred and forty of it. If the label dosage is properly followed, a bottle is usually sufficient for two hundred and forty days, more correct, half a year. Its price can be regarded as moderate or even cheap due to the discounts and promotions that are offered when a larger quantity is purchased. The remedy can be found either at online retailers as well as on the manufacturer website. By searching retailers, customers may find bottles with fewer poles than it has been originally designed.
7) Suggested Use
The manufacturer recommends 1 capsule per day. There are no side effects or precautions reported by the manufacturer, although Lecithin has been associated to nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fullness.
8) Our Final Take On Soybean Lecithin
Soybean Lecithin has been on Standard Process’ product portfolio since 1938, although most of Lecithin’s benefits are not supported by scientific evidence. Although research is still in its incipient phase, the fact that the product has been manufactured for such a long time may represent an argument of its quality (a noncompetitive product can’t last on the market for so long, given the fierce competition). A daily dosage for Lecithin has not been established which may raise concerns regarding its suitability for certain categories of patients such as pregnant and breastfeeding women. This is why we advise you to seek the opinion of a healthcare provider prior to using Soybean Lecithin.
