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Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine suppliers and sourcing guide

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the phospholipid with choline on its phosphate head group and the main component of lecithin. Commercial PC is made from soy, sunflower or egg lecithin by de-oiling with acetone and then fractionating with ethanol, which concentrates PC from about 15% to 25% in standard lecithin up to 35% to 95% in enriched grades. It is sold as liquid, paste, granules or powder by declared PC percentage.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
PC · 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine · lecithin (phosphatidylcholine fraction) · enriched lecithin
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of phosphatidylcholine

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Enriched PC fractions

    Ethanol-fractionated lecithin with a declared PC content, often 35% to 70%, for capsules, softgels and liquid products.

  • High-purity PC

    Grades with 90% or more PC, used in liposomal products and specialty formulas.

  • Soy or sunflower source

    Soy is the most common source; sunflower PC is used for soy-free products.

  • Powder and granules

    De-oiled PC dried to powder or granules, sometimes on a carrier.

  • Liposomal premixes

    PC pre-formed into liposomes with water and other ingredients for liquid products.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

PC assay (HPLC or 31P-NMR)
Phosphatidylcholine content with the other phospholipids (PE, PI, PA, lyso-PC) reported, by HPLC or 31P-NMR.
Acetone insolubles
Total phospholipid content for lecithin-type grades.
Peroxide value and acid value
Oxidation and free fatty acid measures, which rise with age and heat.
Moisture and residual solvents
Karl Fischer or loss on drying, plus residual ethanol, acetone or hexane from fractionation.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, checked against the supplier specification and the buyer's own limits.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or E. coli, and Salmonella, against the supplier specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep sealed, cool and away from light and air, ideally under nitrogen, since PC oxidizes and powders are hygroscopic. Liquids and pastes can thicken or separate in the cold and should be mixed before sampling. The supplier's specification sets shelf life and the retest tests, usually PC assay and peroxide value.

Lots and expiry dates

PC percentage and the share of lyso-PC can vary by lot, so record the actual assay and dose from it. Track the botanical source for allergen and GMO statements and rotate first-expiry-first-out because oxidation builds over time.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1400, in FDA's list of substances affirmed as GRAS, describes commercial lecithin as a naturally occurring mixture of the phosphatides of choline, ethanolamine and inositol, and allows its use in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Lecithin natural health product monograph gives the proper name 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and lists canola (Brassica napus), soybean (Glycine max) and sunflower seed and salmon (Salmo salar) egg as sources.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Phosphatidylcholine suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking phosphatidylcholine suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell phosphatidylcholine? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of phosphatidylcholine can brands buy?

Common forms include enriched PC fractions, high-purity PC, soy or sunflower source, powder and granules and liposomal premixes. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for phosphatidylcholine include?

Expect pC assay (HPLC or 31P-NMR), acetone insolubles, peroxide value and acid value, moisture and residual solvents, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should phosphatidylcholine be stored?

Keep sealed, cool and away from light and air, ideally under nitrogen, since PC oxidizes and powders are hygroscopic. Liquids and pastes can thicken or separate in the cold and should be mixed before sampling. The supplier's specification sets shelf life and the retest tests, usually PC assay and peroxide value.

What is the regulatory status of phosphatidylcholine?

21 CFR 184.1400, in FDA's list of substances affirmed as GRAS, describes commercial lecithin as a naturally occurring mixture of the phosphatides of choline, ethanolamine and inositol, and allows its use in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's Lecithin natural health product monograph gives the proper name 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and lists canola (Brassica napus), soybean (Glycine max) and sunflower seed and salmon (Salmo salar) egg as sources.

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