Effects of long-term ingestion of soya phospholipids on serum lipids in humans

The average reduction of 22 percent in serum cholesterol and 26 percent in triglycerides in the participants in this study was achieved by a diet low in fat and cholesterol supplemented with lecithin. The results are important because all of the participants were able to follow the diet protocol while continuing their normal activities and did so willingly and eagerly over the entire 26 month period. Although the statistical analyses of the data in this small group do not enable us to conclude that lecithin added to the low fat diet actually produced the reduced levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, the trend is encouraging. Because the lecithin and low fat diet was tolerated well with no significant side effects for 2 years, we suggest that a long-term prospective randomized study with a larger group of patients, including appropriate linoleic acid controls, be carried out to confirm or deny these preliminary findings.