Scientists define lecithin as synonymous with phosphatidylcholine, the name for one of the principle phospholipids. On the other hand, producers of lecithin for commercial use use the term lecithin to refer to a complex mix of phosphatides and other substances that contain phosphatidylcholine. Lecithin can be naturally consumed through a diet including lecithin rich foods such as egg yolk, soybeans, grains, wheat germ, fish, legumes, yeast, and peanuts, to name a few. Lecithin supplements are sold to the public in capsule, powder or granular form. Lecithin is usually taken in a pill form or mixed into health shakes.
Many companies advertise their supplies of lecithin as a dietary supplement on the web.
Examples of supplement producers whom sell lecithin are The Herb Shop , All-Natural , Solgar , Health Revolution , Earth Legacy . Lecithin is also sold in many health food stores. These commercial forms are highly filtered. Lecithin is also retailed as an emulsifying agent, allowing fats to be dispersed when mixed with water. This is a great aid in the production of foods such as margarine, mayonnaise, chocolate and baked goods because it keeps foods from sticking to themselves and other surfaces.