Soy Lecithin
Level 2 — Generally safe
Soy Lecithin is a other additive listed in the FDA food-additive database.
Also: lecithin, E322, phosphatidylcholine
Where you'll see it
chocolate, baked goods, margarine, salad dressings, infant formula, protein powders
What the research says
Soy lecithin is the emulsifier in chocolate and many processed foods. While Lustig groups it with detergent emulsifiers that may erode mucin and contribute to leaky gut, its detergent action is weaker than polysorbate 80 or CMC. As a soy-derived phospholipid, it can carry trace solvent residues (hexane) from industrial extraction.
[metabolical] Soy lecithin is the emulsifier in chocolate and many processed foods. While Lustig groups it with detergent emulsifiers that may erode mucin and contribute to leaky gut, its detergent action is weaker than polysorbate 80 or CMC. As a soy-derived phospholipid, it can carry trace solvent residues (hexane) from industrial extraction.
Regulatory status
- Notes: From enrichment source only, not in Winter Dictionary
Sources
- Metabolical (Lustig) — Chapter 20: lecithin (chocolate), polysorbate 80 (shortening), carboxymethylcellulose (salad dressing), and carrageenan (ice cream) are added to foods to maintain food consistency