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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND Lecithin is a food supplement that occurs naturally in eggs and soy bean derivatives. It is composed almost completely of fat-like molecules (lipids). Lecithin supplies two chemicals that are critical to the formation and repair of myelin and all other lipid membranes, the protective layer that surrounds all cells in the body. These two chemicals are: 1. Phosphatidyl-Choline and 2. Phosphatidyl-Ethanolamine A third phospho-lipid, Phosphatidyl-Serine is also critically important for myelin and nerve function. However, Lecithin does not supply any significant amount of PS so it is mentioned here only briefly. Choline, Ethanolamine and Serine can exist as separate molecules, or in combination with other compounds. Adding a "phosphatidyl" molecule to choline or ethanolamine creates the two compounds mentioned above. The same is true for Serine. Choline is part of the B-Complex of Vitamins. It is also possible to supplement only the basic molecule Choline, Ethanolamine or Serine and let the body add the phosphatidyl group to form Phosphatidyl-Choline or Phosphatidyl-Serine (PS), for example. PC, PE and PS are critical components of myelin and all cell membranes. Lecithin does not provide Phosphatidyl-Serine in any significant amounts. Deficiency of these compounds can lead to damage of, or inability to completely repair myelin. NEUROTRANSMITTER Choline, when combined with an "acetyl" group forms acetylcholine, which is used by the brain and nerves to transmit messages between nerve cells (a neurotransmitter.) Deficiency of Acetylcholine may lead to impaired memory and neurological function. ALSO - PC can help protect the liver from damage from organic solvents. |