Influence of soy lecithin administration on hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that lecithin-rich diet can modify cholesterol homeostasis and hepatic lipoprotein metabolism. Considering the phytotherapeutic impact of lecithin, this work hypothesizes that lecithin administration in hypercholesterolemic patients may reduce cholesterol concentrations by increasing biliary secretion. Total cholesterol and LDL were evaluated after soy lecithin administration in hypercholesterolemic patients. One soy lecithin capsule (500 mg/RP-Sherer) was administrated daily. One-two months before the treatment beginning, blood samples were collected for total lipids and cholesterol fractions analysis. The results showed a reduction of 40.66% and 42.00% in total cholesterol and of 42.05% and 56.15% in LDL cholesterol after treatment for one and two months, respectively. A significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed during the first month of treatment, suggesting that the administration of soy lecithin daily may be used as a supplemental treatment in hypercholesterolemia.

Figure 1

Total cholesterol (CH, mg/dL) and cholesterol concentration in lipoproteins (mg/dL) before and 2 months after placebo administration. The error bars represent statistical significance (P < .001).

Figure 2

Total cholesterol (CH, mg/dL) and cholesterol concentration in lipoproteins (mg/dL) in serum before and after the first and the second months of lecithin administration. * Significant in relation to the period before treatment.