Phospholipids Or Enhanced Bioavailability

Phospholipids as the name says, are lipids containing phosphorus. They are essential lipids of biological membranes. Based on their amphiphilic character, phospholipids are used as emulsifiers, wetting agents, solubilizers & liposomes due to their property of self-assembly. Phospholipids play functional roles in various health segments.

In general, fats, phospholipids, and steroids are different types of lipids present in the body and perform various functions. Among them, phospholipids are found in high concentrations within the lining of every cell of the body including brain cells.

A phospholipid is similar to a triglyceride except that it contains a phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing compound such as choline. In food, phospholipids are natural emulsifiers, allowing fat and water to mix, and they are used as food additives for this purpose. Phospholipids, especially lecithins, are already widely used as natural emulsifiers and have been gaining increasing interest as natural antioxidants to control lipid oxidation. The phospholipid lecithin is present in sufficient quantities across foods such as egg yolks, liver, wheat germ, and peanuts. Other major sources of phospholipids are vegetable oils such as soya bean, sunflower seed, rapeseed, and cotton.

It has been found that phosphatidylcholine present in lecithin has the ability to improve…