Thorne Phosphatidyl Choline

Phosphatidylcholine is a major component of the membranes of the liver cells (hepatocytes). As such, it provides significant protection for the liver, probably because good liver health requires the ongoing replacement of old cell membranes with healthy new ones. Phosphatidylcholine has been shown in numerous studies to protect liver cells from damage from a variety of toxins, including ethanol, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene (used in dry cleaning and as a degreasing solvent), and mushroom toxins. Phosphatidylcholine is an important component of the lipids that circulate in the bloodstream, and is a major constituent of bile, which is necessary to metabolize fats. Phosphatidylcholine also has the potential to decrease the absorption of dietary cholesterol, which helps maintain a normal cholesterol level.The findings from eight double-blind clinical trials and numerous other reports that have studied phosphatidylcholine indicate that it supports faster rebuilding of liver tissue and accelerated restoration of overall wellbeing.

Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid, that is, a combination of the mineral phosphorous and fat. It is a vital component of nerve cell membranes. A component that declines with usual aging. It is also an essential precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, intimately involved in memory. The astute reader will try and connect the dots between Alzheimers (Hippocampus and memory loss) and Phosphatidylcholine. Scientists have already tried this back in the 80's, unsuccessfully. The reason: intact phosphatidylcholine has great difficulty passing through the blood to brain barrier and getting into brain cells. If brain support is your target, there are better supplements which are precursors to phosphatidylcholine, such as phosphatidylserine and citicholine (CDP Choline).

‍