Lecithin reduces gut permeability and immune activation

[NHE]

A Physiologically Relevant Dose of 50% Egg-Phosphatidylcholine Is Sufficient in Improving Gut Permeability while Attenuating Immune Cell Dysfunction Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Male Wistar Rats
J Nutr. 2023 Oct;153(10):3131-3143.

Background: Obesity is associated with increased intestinal permeability and a diminished immune response. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), a form of choline found in eggs, has been shown to beneficially modulate T-cell response in the context of obesity when provided as the sole form of choline in the diet.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of varying doses of PC as part of a high-fat diet (HFD) on immune cell function and intestinal permeability.

Methods: Male Wistar rats 4 wk of age were randomly assigned to consume 1 of 6 diets for 12 wk containing the same amount of total choline but differing in the forms of choline: 1-control low-fat (CLF, 20% fat, 100% free choline [FC]); 2-control high-fat (CHF, 50% fat, 100% FC); 3-100% PC (100PC, 50% fat, 100% egg-PC); 4-75% PC (75PC, 50% fat, 75% egg-PC+25% FC); 5-50% PC (50PC, 50% fat, 50% egg-PC+50% FC); and 6-25% PC (25PC; 50% fat, 25% egg-PC+75% FC). Intestinal permeability was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Immune function was assessed by ex vivo cytokine production of splenocytes and cells isolated from the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) after stimulation with different mitogens.

Results: Feeding the CHF diet increased intestinal permeability compared with the CLF diet, and doses of PC 50% or greater returned permeability to levels similar to that of the CLF diet. Feeding the CHF diet lowered splenocyte production of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and MLN production of IL-2 compared with the CLF group. The 50PC diet most consistently significantly improved cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) compared with the CHF diet.

Conclusions: Our results show that a dose of 50% of total choline derived from egg-PC can ameliorate HFD-induced intestinal permeability and immune cell dysfunction.

[DIM]

Another one reason, except the high protein content that is necessary for the immune system and the cholesterol that promotes myelin repair, for all MSers to eat organic eggs daily!

[ElliotB]

I agree with the importance of consuming eggs daily. Extremely important!

I prefer eggs from chickens and ducks that are beyond organic and come from pasture raised birds
that are fed a diet free of soy and corn. I have found several sources for these items and these links are from the company I order from. You will not find pasture raised corn and soy free poultry at your local supermarkets.

Chicken Eggs:
https://frankiesfreerangefoods.com/prod ... d-soy-free

Duck Eggs:
https://https://frankiesfreerangefoods. ... d-soy-free

Quail Eggs too:
https://frankiesfreerangefoods.com/prod ... d-soy-free


They also offer pasture raised chickens, whole and cut up parts, which are also fed a diet free of corn and soy.

https://frankiesfreerangemeat.com/collections/poultry


Mass produced supermarket poultry should be avoided. Lots of info on the web as to why...

[NHE]

I've had positive effects from taking sunflower lecithin in the past. I recently restarted using this lecithin. I stir it up in some plain yogurt. It also goes well with blended smoothies. The flavor is fine and it gives the yogurt a creamy texture.