What are the most beneficial nutrients of phosphatidylcholine for the human body?

Phosphatidylcholine is likely the most important phospholipid, as it supplies the brain with the essential nutrient choline. Choline is then used to synthesize acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory, as well as for sensory input signaling and muscle control. A deficiency in acetylcholine can lead to memory loss, low mood, fewer dreams, and dry mouth. These are considered major contributing factors to Alzheimer's disease, which affects one in every seven people over the age of 75. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center in the United States conducted a study using rats. They fed pregnant rats choline, and the offspring developed "super brains." These rats had more neural connections, better learning and memory abilities, and these effects continued into old age. This study suggests that choline intake can help build a brain structure capable of superior intellectual performance. Acetylcholine is synthesized through the action of an enzyme that depends on vitamins (pantothenic acid) and choline. It has been demonstrated that the combination of vitamin B5 and choline can enhance memory and improve mental and behavioral perfrmance.

Lecithin is the best source of choline and also provides phospholipids. It is used as an emulsifier in some foods. Lecithin is available at any health food store, typically in capsule or granular form that can be sprinkled onto food. However, not all lecithin products are the same, so be sure to check the label before purchasing to ensure the product contains more than 30% phosphatidylcholine.