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A few words about Lecithin and Phospholipids

In literature we find a wide spectrum of articles intermingling these two terms and this may sometimes be confusing. Especially in pharmaceutical publications the word Lecithin is used as a synonym for pure Phosphatidyl Choline. We will try to explain the difference between Lecithin and Phosphospholipids in simple words.

“Lecithin”...

...today is commonly used for a mixture of different phospholipids and some other components in two physical forms:

Crude liquid lecithin...

...containing about 30 % of oil. It is a by-product of crushing oil seeds, such as soya, sunflower and canola (rape seed). Global production of crude lecithin is approx. 450 – 500.000 metric tons p.a. It can also be derived from animal (egg, milk, fish etc.) and bacterial or fungal sources.

Oil-free lecithins...

...are available in the form of powders or granules. Global production of oil-free lecithins is around 30.000 metric tons p.a.

“Phospholipids”...

...are the active components in Lecithin. They are derived from the above lecithins by fractionation and purification.

ILPS Membership

New members are always welcome.

Are you (for example) ...
... enthusiastic about the future of lecithin and phospholipids?
... a university department doing scientific research?
... a laboratory analyzing lecithin and phospholipids?
... an organization working on contract development?
... a company providing services to the lecithin industry?
... a company buying and selling lecithin?

So why not join us and profit from our jointly collected know how?
Who?

Companies and institutions who want to expand their knowledge about lecithin and phospholipids.

Why?

To join forces with other experts and collaborate effectively.

How?

By filling out our Membership Application Form.

For detailed information about Membership please click here

Contact

If you would like to get in touch with ILPS, please do not hesitate to send us a message.

Through the inquiry using this online contact form no service contract between ILPS and you is formed. We will contact you as soon as possible after receiving your message and send you a message back. Of course we will treat your information confidentially and it will not be disclosed to third parties.

ILPS Registered Address

ILPS International Lecithin & Phospholipid Society

Emil-Hoffmann-Str. 33
D-50996 Köln (Cologne)
Germany