Phosphatidylcholine
bri·o - the quality of being active, alive, spirited, and vigorous
Phosphatidylcholine Treatment (PC) in Scottsdale, Arizona
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a naturally-occurring, necessary component for the formation of cell membranes and the structural and functional integrity of cell membranes throughout the body. PC acts as a supplier of choline, which the liver utilizes as its primary source of fuel (triglycerides). PC is essential in the brain, liver, and intestinal health.
In addition to playing an important role in metabolizing cholesterol, research indicates that PC may be helpful in repairing damage to the liver caused by alcohol, pollutants, and other toxins. In the intestinal tract, PC has a protective effect on the mucosa and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Does Phosphatidylcholine treatment help with energy and fatigue?
As a precursor to the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine, it is reasonable to expect PC to affect energy levels and to reduce fatigue. In various sports activities, PC supplementation has enhanced performance where exercise has depleted choline concentrations (5). Although more research is needed in this area, other populations with depleted choline concentrations who may benefit from PC supplementation include people with chronic fatigue and fatigue secondary to cancer. At GWCIM we found that patients suffering from fatigue from various causes were benefiting from phosphatidylcholine administered intravenously.
Does Phosphatidylcholine treatment help with Mold and Other Toxicities?
We have used PC successfully to treat a number of patients with different toxicity-related syndromes, most commonly for mold toxicity. Chronic mold toxicity is very complex and requires a comprehensive treatment approach, in which PC is one of the key elements.
Does Phosphatidylcholine treatment help with brain Injury from strokes or trauma?
There is a growing understanding of the critical role the cell membrane lipids play in brain cell recovery. PC is one of the key membrane lipids, and its use has been suggested as an effective treatment for strokes and traumatic brain injury. (6)
Safety:
Standard toxicological assessments indicate no significant acute or chronic toxicity from PC, as well as no mutagenicity and no teratogenicity. PC is well tolerated at daily intakes of up to 18 grams. (7) PC is not recommended for people taking acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor medications since this combination may excessively increase acetylcholine levels and potentially cause cholinergic side effects.
References:
- Zeisel SH, Blusztajn JK. Choline and human nutrition. Annu Rev Nutr 1994;14:269-296.
- Phosphatidylcholine. Altern Med Rev. 2002 Apr;7(2):150-4.
- Jenkins PJ, Portmann BP. Use of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine in HBsAg negative chronic active hepatitis: results of a prospective double-blind controlled trial. Liver 1982;2:77-81.
- Niederau C, Strohmeyer G, Heintges T, Peter K, Göpfert E. Polyunsaturated phosphatidyl-choline and interferon alpha for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatogastroenterology. 1998
- Jäger R, Purpura M, Kingsley M. Phospholipids and sports performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Jul 25;4:5.
- Ali Mousavi S, Khorvash F, Hoseini T. The efficacy of citroline in the treatment of ischemic stroke and primary hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage; a review article. ARYA Atheroscler. 2010 Fall;6(3):122-5.
- Kidd PM. Phosphatidylcholine, a superior protectant against liver damage. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:258-274.
