Lecithin and Eczema

Lecithin is very beneficial for eczema (and I'd go on to say necessary in the treatment of) ... as well as acne and psoriasis.

Lecithin is a fat like substance, or phospholipid, produced by every healthy liver and found in varying quantities in body cells and organs.  Nervous and circulatory lecithin is produced by the liver if the diet is adequate.  It is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden.  Lecithin protects cells from oxidation.  There is an especially high concentration in the brain and around nerve sheaths.  Lecithin also helps to emulsify fats and contains the B vitamin choline, from which the body manufactures one of several nerve transmitters.

Note:  It is concluded that essential fatty acid ("EFA") deficiency leads to impaired biliary excretion of lecithin. 1

How does the body distribute EFA's?  Fats are carried away by adding lecithin.  Lecithin is an emulsifier and allows oil and water, which normally don't mix, to mix quite readily. This is because one end of the lecithin molecule is water-soluble while the other is oil-soluble. It therefore forms an interface between water and oil.  In the liver, lecithin metabolizes fat. In the bloodstream, lecithin prevents fats from accumulating on the walls of arteries. In the intestinal tract, lecithin enhances the absorption of vitamins A, D, and possibly E and K. These are just a few of its many roles.

Lecithin is also anti-stress food.

Lecithin can be taken in granular or liquid form. I prefer liquid and take 4 tablespoons daily in yougurt.