Lysophosphatidylcholine, is a group of chemicals that are the hydrolyzed state of phosphatidylcholines. Phosphatidylcholines are fatty acids made with the essential nutrient choline. Phosphatidylcholines are a major component of cell membranes.
Lysophosphatidylcholine is found in small amounts in cell membranes, in other body tissues and in blood plasma; it is hydrolyzed by an enzyme from phosphatidylcholine.
Lysophosphatidylcholine is added to many body-building health supplements to increase the rate at which the body absorbs ingredients such as proteins, vitamins and amino acids in the digestive tract.
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Food Sources of Lysophosphatidylcholine Lysophosphatidylcholine is found in the tissues of many life forms. It is mainly extracted from egg yolks, bovine brains and soybeans. How Lysophosphatidylcholine Works in Body Building Formulas Lysophosphatidylcholine affects the biological ... more
Lysophosphatidylcholine is found in the tissues of many life forms. It is mainly extracted from egg yolks, bovine brains and soybeans.
Lysophosphatidylcholine affects the biological membranes of cell walls. It is thought that lysophosphatidylcholine will expand the cells in the stomach, intestine walls and other components of the digestive tract.
This in turn will allow the nutrients found in weight lifting and extreme fitness formulas to be absorbed that much faster by the body. In theory, the proteins, amino acids, vitamins and other essential nutrients will quickly be available for the body’s use during intense weight lifting, extreme sporting events and the recovery of muscles and bodily systems.
However, the safety of lysophosphatidylcholine’s use in such formulas is debated as there are conflicting reports as to the nature of the effects that Lysophosphatidylcholine has on the body.
The American Oil Chemists’ Society is a worldwide scientific society aimed at promoting the exchange of ideas, information and experiences in the science technology of fats, oils and related materials. They list lysophosphatidylcholine as a chemical that is both damaging and protective to the body.
Scientific studies in the test tube have shown that lysophosphatidylcholine increases the inflammatory response of the body. It is also a component of the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol.
Lysophosphatidylcholine is also present at the lesions found with atherosclerosis caused by cholesterol. It is believed that lysophosphatidylcholine interrupts the ability of the cell wall to remain an effective barrier.
However, animal studies have also shown lysophosphatidylcholine to have protective properties against sepsis, or dangerously high levels of bacteria or other microbes in the blood stream. Among other protective functions, the lysophosphatidylcholine activated white blood cells to kill the invading bacteria.
Another protective function showed lysophosphatidylcholine helping the cell wall to create a strong barrier against the intrusion of the microbes.
A 2008 investigation, published on The National Institutes of Medicine’s PubMed site, looked at the use of lysophosphatidylcholine analogues in fighting cancer. Because of lysophosphatidylcholine’s ability to affect a cell wall’s barrier, it could be used to target the cell walls of tumors to kill the cancerous cells through apoptosis, or cell death.
These analogues of lysophosphatidylcholine are thought to accumulate in cell walls, inserting themselves in the cell walls’ barriers. They interfere with signals and cause a malfunction in cell lipid metabolism. This would all cause the death of the cell.
It also is thought that the lysophosphatidylcholine analogues would have less of an effect on normal cells as the analogues would target the most active cells of the fast-growing tumors. Since lysophosphatidylcholine analogues do not attack the DNA structures of cells, they may be an effective cancer treatment that minimizes damage to healthy cells.
Furthermore, lysophosphatidylcholine analogue use in cancer treatment might increase the effectiveness of current treatments, such as radiation, as it weakens the tumor cells. The weakened tumor cells are then more susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Anyone experiencing severe allergic reactions to lysophosphatidylcholine should seek immediate medical attention. Studies continue to investigate the effects this compound has on the body.
Anyone considering a new supplement, health aid or medication should first consult a medical professional and pharmacist to discuss the implications.
Those with high cholesterol, or at risk for high cholesterol, should not take lysophosphatidylcholine because of the increased risk of atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries due to cholesterol.
Anyone with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis should not take lysophosphatidylcholine because of the increased risk of further inflammatory responses in the body’s cells.
Those who have lung injuries or conditions that include respiratory distress should not take lysophosphatidylcholine. Lysophosphatidylcholine may increase the permeability of the lung tissue, causing the lungs to fill with fluid.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take lysophosphatidylcholine.
Lysophosphatidylcholine is generally sold in nutritional supplements for weightlifters and body-builders, generally in powder form. Follow all manufacturers’ recommendations.
Use the free supplement finder to locate sources of lysophosphatidylcholine for your use today!
| Inflammation |
| Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions |
| Increases Risk of Atherosclerosis |
| Raises LDL Levels |
| Hardening Of Arteries |
| Aids In Absorption Of Protein |
| Antibacterial |
| Cancer Fighting Properties |
| Muscle Recovery |
| Aids In Absorption Of Amino Acids |
| Aids In Absorption Of Vitamins |
| Treats Sepsis |