ANSWER
| Descriptions | Phosphatidylcholine (PC) | Choline |
| Definitions | Phosphatidylcholine (derived from lecithin), a primary dietary source of Choline, is composed of a phosphate group, 2 fatty acids and Choline. | When Phosphatidylcholine is ingested, most of it is broken down into Choline. Choline is essential in the synthesis of acetylcholine. |
| Source | Phosphatidylcholine products that come from plants, all have two or more than two different types of phospholipids where there is a competing interest between the phospholipids (Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphotidylinositol and phosphotidyletanolamine). | Some of the Choline comes from soybeans. However, most Choline products come in the form of Choline Bitartrate, a synthetic (laboratory) source or animal sources. |
| Mechanisms | The body uses Phosphatidylcholine (PC) to make a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is important for memory and other bodily functions. | Choline is a crucial component of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for normal brain functions. |
| Phosphatidylcholine (PC) may be carried into neurons as part of an ApoE lipoprotein. | Free Choline is transported across the blood-brain barrier at a rate that is proportional to serum Choline levels. |
| Descriptions | Phosphatidylcholine (PC) | Choline |
| Solubility | Fat-soluble phospholipids molecule. | Water-soluble essential nutrient. |
| However, there are powdered mixtures of Phosphatidylcholine which shows dispersion ability in water. | Choline is highly polar which soluble in water. | |
| Odour | A high dose of Phosphatidylcholine (PC) does not generally result in a fishy odour. | At high doses (around 10-16 grams daily), pure Choline will produce a “fishy” odour. |
| Dosage | Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is well tolerated at daily intakes of up to 18.0 grams. | The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of Choline for adults is for Choline at 3.5 grams for adults. |
| High dosage of PC will cause symptoms of intolerance are almost exclusively restricted to GI discomfort – diarrhea, excessive fullness, and nausea. | At 7.5g of Choline daily, nausea, diarrhea and a small decrease in blood pressure were reported in some patients. |
References
Cargill. (2015). Emulsifying and refattening agents.
Higdon, J., & Drake, V. (2013). An evidence-based approach to phytochemicals and other dietary factors. Stuttgart: Thieme.
Lipoid GmbH. (2015). Compounds with Phosphatidylcholine.
WebMD. (2009). Phosphatidylcholine.
