What is lecithin？Are all lecithins of animal origin?

Lecithin, also known as proteins, is a group of yellowish-brown oily substances found in animal and plant tissues and egg yolk. The constituents include phosphate, choline, fatty acids, glycerol, glycolipids, triglycerides and phospholipids.

Lecithin is not always derived from animal tissue. Phospholipids were first discovered from the human brain. It was not until 1861 that the scientist Topler discovered the presence of phospholipids from plant seeds again. And in subsequent studies, soybeans were found to be rich in the active ingredient lecithin. Another common plant-derived lecithin is sunflower-derived lecithin.

Lecithin in liquid and powder form is more common, while lecithin in powder form is usually relatively more expensive.

In terms of application, the FDA states that phospholipids must be added to infant formula.

Lecithin usually has several effects: provides human nutritional needs, regulates serum lipids, reduces the effect on fat absorption in case of cellular fiber degeneration, protects the heart, helps to improve memory and intelligence, delays aging, and improves skin and hair quality.