6 Amazing Benefits of Consuming Phosphatidylcholine Health Supplements
Phosphatidylcholine is, in essence, a molecule that constitutes a key element of the human cellular structure. This molecule can be found in each individual cell of the human body. As it is a primary component of the cell membrane, phosphatidylcholine inhabits every part of our anatomy. It is also one of the major components of the mixture of protein and fats that lines our lungs and allows us to breathe, usually known as the pulmonary surfactant.
The mucus that lines our stomach and protects our gut is also composed, to a great extent, of phosphatidylcholine. Additionally, this molecule enhances the levels of acetylcholine and choline in the brain, thus causing improved communication between the nerves of the body. The molecule also aids in the breaking down of fats, which leads to improved functioning of the liver.
Need for Phosphatidylcholine Supplements
The level of phosphatidylcholine naturally produced by the body might decrease with age. Between the ages of 40 and 100, for example, there is a 10 percent reduction in the amount of phosphatidylcholine found in a person’s brain. Choline deficiency in an individual can also limit the amount of phosphatidylcholine produced in their body, as choline is one of the key ingredients required in the production process. A fall in the level of phosphatidylcholine in the liver can often lead to liver failure, a condition that can, in certain cases, be fatal.
Adequate phosphatidylcholine levels are also required for the production of low-density lipoprotein, which helps in the transportation of fat molecules. These are some of the reasons why one must endeavor to avoid the possibility of phosphatidylcholine deficiency. If such a deficiency is detected, however, the best course of action would be to opt for a high-quality phosphatidylcholine supplement manufactured by a trusted brand.
The Potential Consequences of Phosphatidylcholine Deficiency
According to experienced healthcare professionals, some studies have found that insufficient levels of phosphatidylcholine in the brain can be linked to the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.
In certain areas or parts of the brain, the absence of sufficient phosphatidylcholine levels has been associated with the incidence of schizophrenia and other related conditions.
Hepatic steatosis or fatty liver can often be a result of insufficient phosphatidylcholine levels in the patient’s liver. Such a deficiency can also lead to other types of liver damage.
Some Major Advantages of Phosphatidylcholine Health Supplements
- Enhanced Memory
It is a well documented fact that phosphatidylcholine deficiency has been linked to loss of memory and Alzheimer’s disease. A study involving 80 young men and women, conducted in the year 1993, proved that high quality phosphatidylcholine supplements could lead to significant improvements in memory and retention. By increasing the level of acetylcholine and choline in the brain, phosphatidylcholine also helps diminish the risk of dementia. - Improvement in Liver Health
Extreme phosphatidylcholine deficiency has been shown to cause fatal liver damage in mice. According to one study involving animals, the presence of phosphatidylcholine often results in the regeneration of damaged parts of the liver. A condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD is caused in humans largely due to dangerously low levels of phosphatidylcholine and choline in the body. High quality supplements can enhance the ratio of phosphatidylcholine in the liver. - Helps in the Treatment of Viral Hepatitis
A clinical trial involving 176 patients proved that the molecule known as phosphatidylcholine played a key role in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The findings of this trial were backed up by other studies which confirmed the role of phosphatidylcholine in hepatitis C treatment. Therefore, phosphatidylcholine health supplements could be highly useful for patients suffering from this condition. - Increases the Rate of Fat Breakdown
In essence, the process of fat breakdown involves the disintegration of triglyceride into free fatty acids and glycerol. The PPAR gamma receptor is responsible for this breakdown or disintegration of fats. Phosphatidylcholine increases the production of this element within the human body, thus providing a boost to the rate of fat breakdown. Thus, it can be said that phosphatidylcholine supplements can safely be used for fat reduction and weight loss intervention. - Helps Reduce Inflammation
According to studies, the use of phosphatidylcholine for treatment reduced arthritis-related white blood cell reaction and inflammation in rats. Mice that were given access to dietary phosphatidylcholine supplements experienced marked improvements in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These supplements also helped decrease inflammation by inducing a fall in the levels of inflammatory white blood cells in the bloodstream. - Facilitates Fetal Brain Development
The consumption of phosphatidylcholine supplementation by expecting women during the prenatal stage has been shown to reduce the risk of mental illness in the newborn by promoting the normal functioning of brain circuits. A study involving a hundred pregnant women, published in 2009, proved that phosphatidylcholine supplements ensured proper brain development in fetuses. Such supplementation also helped reduce the risk of schizophrenia in fetuses that were genetically predisposed to the condition.
Conclusion
These are some of the advantages of consuming phosphatidylcholine supplements. Such supplementation is particularly recommended for those diagnosed with phosphatidylcholine deficiency, as such a deficiency can lead to a number of health conditions and problems in the future. Ideally, one should opt for a phosphatidylcholine supplement that comprises an approximate ratio of 4:1 between the omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, as this ratio has been endorsed by the World Health Organization and other well-known medical bodies.
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