Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine is a chemical found in foods like mustard, sunflowers, eggs, and soybeans. It is vital for the composition and repairing of cell membranes, as well as for normal liver function. Moreover, phosphatidylcholine serves as a protector in the body, shielding damage from the use of drugs, alcohol, and other toxins. In this article, we will take a look at why this potent chemical is great for athletes, especially those who use steroids.

Fig 1. Phosphatidylcholine chemical Structure

How it works

Our bodies produce a brain chemical known as acetylcholine, which is possible thanks to phosphatidylcholine. Acetylcholine is crucial for memory and other body functions. This is why it is being researched with Alzheimer's disease (which is present in 50% of those over 85 years old), where people begin to forget simple things, like their own children's names.

Phosphatidylcholine also works by protecting against liver damage caused by alcohol abuse, and it is also the primary ingredient in cosmetic injection products that dissolve fat.

Phosphatidylcholine deficiency

It is estimated that 90% of Americans are deficient in phosphatidylcholine due to poor diet choices. The best place to get this vital brain nutrient is going to be from egg yolks and sunflower seeds. However, supplementation is going to be necessary for us to get as much phosphatidylcholine as we really need. Besides, for those who have memory loss and problems focusing, getting a boost in phosphatidylcholine will be extremely beneficial.

Research and medical uses

Many studies have been done on phosphatidylcholine's protective and healing abilities with the liver. Those studies showed a significant reduction in disease activity in those with hepatitis, and liver protection in those with alcohol toxicity.

Another study was done on subjects with ulcerative colitis, and it showed that phosphatidylcholine inhibited inflammation, protecting the mucous layer of the GI tract and helping those with GI injuries.

Furthermore, a study in the Journal of Proteome Research showed that lipid abnormalities caused a rise in problems associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Since phosphatidylcholine is great with cell membrane integrity and intracellular communication, there is evidence that its neurological benefits can help those with mental problems, along with Alzheimer's and Tourette's syndromes too.

Other health benefits

In spite of the fact that the FDA does not approve the use of phosphatidylcholine in injectable form for fat dissolving, some people have tried it. In fact, there is a product in Germany called Lipostabil, which is injected subcutaneously to get rid of fat.

Fig 2. Lipostabil from Germany

Use for bodybuilders

Bodybuilders can benefit from phosphatidylcholine when on a steroid cycle for several reasons.

First of all, when using androgenic and harsh compounds like trenbolone, they will experience changes in neurological behavior. What's more, damage to the GI tract will also take place because of trenbolone's harsh attacks on the stomach. As a matter of fact, this is why people complain of heartburn and other stomach problems on certain steroids. Additionally, pain killers and anti-inflammatories (especially NSAID's) are going to destroy the stomach lining. Luckily, phosphatidylcholine will help protect the stomach and balance out neurological issues.

Since many oral anabolic steroids (like dianabol and anadrol) and prohormones are liver toxic, the other obvious benefit of phosphatidylcholine would be the protection of the liver. In general, without liver protection you run the risk of damaging this vital organ when using oral steroids. As mentioned above, phosphatidylcholine will reverse liver damage and will serve as a protector while using oral steroids.

Fig 3. Liver Damage Stages

Side effects

If used correctly, there are little side effects to worry about with phosphatidylcholine.

Dosage

It is recommended you use phosphatidylcholine during a steroid cycle at 200-400 milligrams (mgs) per day, and when you come off cycle just half of that dosage will be enough.

Where to find

N2Guard contains 300mg's of phosphatidylcholine per serving, plus dozens of additional ingredients, so it is a good idea to use this potent cycle support supplement to get your daily portion of phosphatidylcholine. I use it daily as my cycle support.

Forums

Want to read about phosphatidylcholine on our forums? Read on to know what our 100,000 members think.

• PhosphatidylCholine makes you a genius!
• Phosphatidylcholine experiment/log
• Avoiding distended stomach
• Looking for a good liver support

References

• The critical role of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine metabolism in health and disease
• Administration of phosphatidylcholine increases brain acetylcholine concentration and improves memory in mice with dementia
• The role of phosphatidylcholine and choline metabolites to cell proliferation and survival
• Phosphatidylcholine and choline homeostasis
• Phosphatidylcholine and the CDP-choline cycle
• The role of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in the secretion of lipoproteins from hepatocytes