Lecithin is a fat that is essential in the cells of the body. It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks. Lecithin is taken as a medicine and is also used in the manufacturing of medicines.
Lecithin is used for treating memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also used for treating gallbladder disease, liver disease, certain types of depression, high cholesterol, anxiety, and a skin disease called eczema.
Some people apply lecithin to the skin as a moisturizer.
You will often see lecithin as a food additive. It is used to keep certain ingredients from separating out.
You may also see lecithin as an ingredient in some eye medicines. It is used to help keep the medicine in contact with the eye’s cornea.
Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon (15 mL) | ||
Servings Per Container: about 32 | ||
Amount Per Serving | %Daily Value* | |
Calories | 120 | |
Calories from Fat | 90 | |
Total Fat | 10 g | 15% |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% |
Trans Fat | 0 g | |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 5 g | |
Monounsaturated Fat | 3 g | |
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
Sugars | 0 g | |
Protein | 0 g | |
Calcium | 2% | |
Phosphorus | 25% | |
Not a significant source of vitamin A, vitamin C or iron. *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs: |
2,000 Calories | 2,500 Calories | ||
Total Fat | Less than | 65 g | 80 g |
Sat. Fat | Less than | 20 g | 25 g |
Cholesterol | Less than | 300 mg | 300 mg |
Sodium | Less than | 2,400 mg | 2,400 mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 300 g | 375 g | |
Dietary Fiber | 25 g | 30 g | |
Calories per gram: Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4 |
Typical Phosphatide Content: | |
Phosphatidyl Choline | (19%) |
Phosphatidyl Inositol | (12%) |
Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine | (7%) |
Blend 1 tablespoon into milk, protein shakes or vegetable juice. May also be used in salad dressings/sauces (as an emulsifier of fats) or as a non-stick coating on pots and pans.