Dietetics Industry

Phospholipids are a part of the bi-layer membrane of any cell. In human cells high phospholipid concentrations are found in the bone marrow, the brain, the liver and the heart. In this important group of lipids, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS) and glycerophosphocholine (GPC) are predominant in dietetic applications. PC and PS release essential fatty acids to the body. The latter, as well as the phospholipids themselves, are indispensable for life as they are involved in the metabolism and respiration of cells. In addition they play an important role in the cholesterol metabolism. Phos-pholipids are also important energy providers for the cells. There is an increased demand of phosphol-ipids during periods of high physical and mental activity e.g. during sport activities, in stressful situa-tions or during the convalescence.


Phospholipids are the active components of lecithin and are extracted from renewable raw materials such as soybean, rapeseed and sunflower. They are available on industrial scale.

Lecithin and phospholipids exhibit manifold technological and physiological properties and thus are valuable raw materials for the production of modern dietetics.

They are:

• natural
• biodegradable and therefore environmentally friendly
• toxicologically safe (the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) conferred GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe) to lecithin)

Lecithin and phospholipids can be used in various applications:

• active substance
• emulsification
• encapsulation and controlled release of active ingredients
• enhancing bioavailability, stability and shelf-life of sensitive ingredients

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a natural bio-surfactant. Together with the bile salts, it plays a major role in the metabolism of lipids and supports the absorption of nutrients.
PC is a natural component of the gastric mucosa. Studies indicated that orally applied PC can protect the stomach against lesion and gastric ulcer induced by stress or malnutrition.
A number of scientific studies report about other benefits on health caused by PC.

Phosphatidylserine is of exceptional importance among the group of physiological phospholipids. It is found, first and foremost, in brain and nerve tissue and bound to key transportation proteins, in signal transmission complexes.
The effects of PS have been documented in numerous clinical studies, which evidenced that this phospholipid is a significant nutrient for the brain and nerve cells. When phosphatidylserine was administered, memory functions, concentration, learning aptitude, and stress symptoms as well as the patients’ mood all improved.
Phosphatiylserine from soybean lecithin derived from genetically unmodified soybeans is enriched to concentrations of 20 to 70 % of phosphatidylserine through gentle production processes. These powder-like products offer a safe source of phosphatidylserine for use in dietary supplements (capsules) or for addition to foods such as snack bars or chocolate.
Further details are available on request.

Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) is one of the degradation products of the cell membrane metabolism and is found in the cytosol of any living cell. It is one of the storage forms of choline. It is also found in high concentrations in the membrane of neuronal cells. GPC is formed by enzymatic degradation (phospholipase) of PC. Further degradation by the enzyme phosphodiesterase leads to the formation of glycerophosphate and choline. Therefore, GPC can be considered a choline precursor. It can stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the secretion of the human growth hormone. The fact that mother’s milk contains GPC emphasizes its important role for numerous body functions.
In contrast to other phospholipids, GPC is well soluble in water. GPC administered to the body from outside gets well absorbed and can pass the blood-brain barrier. GPC can be considered a fat-free nutrient because of the lack of fatty acid moieties in the molecule.
A number of scientific studies demonstrate the positive impact of GPC on the brain functions.
Further details are available on request.