Effects of an 8-week intake of lysolecithin on cognitive function and concentrations of blood choline and lysophosphatidylcholine: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

Choline is an essential nutrient for normal brain function, but its bioavailability is not as high as choline esters. Among choline esters, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) has unexplored potential as a choline source and cognitive enhancer in humans. This placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, involving healthy participants aged 40-74 years, aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week intake of lysolecithin containing 480 ‍mg LPC on cognitive function and plasma levels of choline and LPC. Twenty-three participants were assigned to both the placebo and lysolecithin groups, and memory was assessed as the primary outcome. Additionally, subjective mental function was assessed. Plasma levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites were also evaluated for a safety assessment. No significant between-group differences were observed in the memory or mental function score, but a post-hoc analysis yielded significant within-group increases from baseline in subjective mental acuity and calmness in the lysolecithin group. Lysolecithin intake slightly increased plasma choline and LPC18:2 concentrations over 8 weeks, but plasma levels of saturated and total LPC concentrations, associated with inflammation, and derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites remained unchanged. No adverse events were attributed to lysolecithin supplementation. This study demonstrated lysolecithin's good tolerability and potential as a new choline supplement.