Gebhardt, P. (2019). Phosphatidylcholine for the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Wellness Foods and Supplements, (1), 4-7.


Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon, that causes diarrhea, bleeding and cramping pain. Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, a deficiency of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) can be detected in the intestinal mucus of those affected. Phosphatidylcholine occurs naturally in the mucus layer and accumulates on its surface. The phospholipid forms a hydrophobic fatty film that represents an essential factor for the integrity of the barrier function of the mucus layer. Supplemental phosphatidylcholine with delayed release showed promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Phosphatidylcholine stands out by the fact that side effects are not to be expected.