Effect of lecithin on disability and plasma free-choline levels in Friedreich's ataxia.
Four patients with Friedreich's ataxia took part in an open trial, in which they consumed 50-100g/day lecithin granules (containing approximately 22% phosphatidycholine) for 16 weeks, but no improvement resulted. Several unwanted effects including diarrhoea, nausea, depression, "hot flushes" and weakness were experienced. Resting levels of free-choline in plasma were within the range found in 19 normal subjects. Sixteen other patients with Friedreich's ataxia also had normal free-choline levels. Treatment with lecithin significantly increased plasma free-choline levels, but there was a trend for these to fall towards baseline levels, despite continued ingestion of lecithin.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002794:Choline / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005621:Friedreich Ataxia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D002794:Choline