Effect of lecithin on disability and plasma free-choline levels in Friedreich's ataxia. Issue 9 (September 1980)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chamberlain, S; Robinson, N; Walker, J; Smith, C; Benton, S; Kennard, C; Swash, M; Kilkenny, B; Bradbury, S
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 43:Issue 9(1980)
• Page Start: 843
• Page End: 845
• Publication Date: 1980-09
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.43.9.843
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Four patients with Friedreich's ataxia took part in an open trial, in which they consumed 50-100g/day lecithin granules (containing approximately 22% phosphatidycholine) for 16 weeks, but no improvement resulted. Several unwanted effects including diarrhoea, nausea, depression, "hot flushes" and weakness were experienced. Resting levels of free-choline in plasma were within the range found in 19 normal subjects. Sixteen other patients with Friedreich's ataxia also had normal free-choline levels. Treatment with lecithin significantly increased plasma free-choline levels, but there was a trend for these to fall towards baseline levels, despite continued ingestion of lecithin.