Extra Strength Lecithin Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Extra Strength Lecithin against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Extra Strength Lecithin is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, liver health, brain and memory support.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Extra Strength Lecithin by NOW
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This softgel delivers 2 active ingredients: phosphatidylcholine (a component of soy lecithin with roles in cell membrane health) and polyunsaturated fat. Soy lecithin itself is a blend broken down into its individual components here.
The capsule itself is an inactive ingredient.
Does it work?
Not established
Phosphatidylcholine is possibly effective for ulcerative colitis. For other conditions — nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-related liver disease, Alzheimer disease, and anxiety — the evidence isn't strong enough to rate it yet in the data we hold.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Phosphatidylcholine is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. At very high doses (30 grams a day or more), digestive upset and diarrhea can occur; smaller doses have been linked to bloating, diarrhea, altered taste, nausea, and vomiting in some people.
You may also notice increased sweating or itching. Choline is needed during pregnancy, but safety data on supplements beyond what's in food is limited — talk with your doctor before taking this during pregnancy.
There isn't enough reliable data on supplement use while breastfeeding; speak with your healthcare provider first.
Meds to double-check
No known interactions
No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check. We were unable to check polyunsaturated fat.
Run your exact medications through the search tool on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before you start.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.
Extra Strength Lecithin may be worth considering if you're interested in phosphatidylcholine for ulcerative colitis support, though the evidence is modest. Most people tolerate it well, though digestive effects or itching can happen.
Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have digestive concerns.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 1, 2012.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Extra Strength Lecithin, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739022325 |
| Net contents | 200 Softgel(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 1, 2012 |
| DSLD ID | 13590 |
| Product type | Fat/fatty Acid |
| Supplement form | Softgel Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Extra Strength Lecithin by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 30 {Calories} | -- |
| Calories from Fat | 20 {Calories} | -- |
| Total Fat | 2 g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | -- |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g | -- |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | -- |
| Soy Lecithin | 3.6 g | -- |
| Phosphatidyl Choline | 1.14 g | -- |
Other ingredients: Softgel Capsule
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
SUGGESTED USAGE: As a dietary supplement, take 2-3 softgels daily with food. Consider taking these other NOW(R) products: L-Carnitine, Omega-3 Fish Oil and CoQ10.
Brand IP Statement(s)
NOW(R) Extra Strength, Non-GMO Lecithin Softgels have over twice the Phosphatidyl Choline (1,140 mg per serving) as in our regular strength product (540 mg per serving). Phosphatidyl Choline comprises a major portion of our brain and nervous system. Lecithin also has naturally occurring essential fatty acids and Inositol. Lecithin aids in emulsifying fats, enabling them to be dispersed in water.*
FDA Disclaimer Statement
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Caution: For adults only.
Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
General Statements
Natural color variations may occur in this product.
SOFTGEL SIZE
NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT
• Supports Brain & Nerve Function*
For more product information visit www.nowfoods.com/2232
Please Recycle.
Formula
380 mg Phosphatidyl Choline • Non-GMO - 1200 mg Lecithin
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
GMP QUALITY ASSURED
Formulation
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
General
CODE 2232 V3
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Extra Strength Lecithin by NOW label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Extra Strength Lecithin by NOW
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container66 Amounts shown are per serving.
Soy Lecithin
No knowninteractions
Lecithin is a natural fatty substance found in foods and made by the body that is widely used as a supplement and food emulsifier. Evidence supporting...
Soy Lecithin monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Softgel Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Extra Strength Lecithin by NOW Drug Interactions
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Extra Strength Lecithin. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Extra Strength Lecithin, from the product label.
NOW
See all NOW products- Name
- NOW FOODS
- Street Address
- 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
- City
- Bloomingdale
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60108
Extra Strength Lecithin by NOW: Common Questions
Does Extra Strength Lecithin by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What's soy lecithin, and why is it in this product?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
Will this upset my stomach?
Does this really work for anything?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Extra Strength Lecithin is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Extra Strength Lecithin’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Lecithin
Lecithin is a natural fatty substance found in foods and made by the body that is widely used as a supplement and food emulsifier. Evidence supporting most of its health claims is limited, t...
Read the full Lecithin monograph → Herb & supplement monographPhosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that is part of every cell membrane and a source of choline. People take it for liver, brain, and gut health, but solid human evidence is limited for mo...
Read the full Phosphatidylcholine monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Extra Strength Lecithin's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 24 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Lecithin 9 references
- Buchman AL, Dubin M, Jenden D, et al. Lecithin increases plasma free choline and decreases hepatic steatosis in long-term total parenteral nutrition patients. Gastroenterology 1992;102:1363-70.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
- Chatellier G, Lacomblez L. Tacrine (tetrahydroaminoacridine; THA) and lecithin in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type: a multicentre trial. Groupe Francais d'Etude de la Tetrahydroaminoacridine. BMJ 1990;300:495-9.
- Gelenberg AJ, Dorer DJ, Wojcik JD, et al. A crossover study of lecithin treatment of tardive dyskinesia. J Clin Psychiatry 1990;51:149-53.
- Little A, Levy R, Chuaqui-Kidd P, Hand D. A double-blind, placebo controlled trial of high-dose lecithin in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1985;48:736-42. PubMed
- Palm M, Moneret-Vautrin DA, Kanny G, et al. Food allergy to egg and soy lecithins. Allergy 1999;54:1116-7. PubMed
- Drachman DA, Glosser G, Fleming P, et al. Memory decline in the aged: treatment with lecithin and physostigmine. Neurology 1982;32:944-50. PubMed
- Gelenberg, A. J., Doller-Wojcik, J. C., and Growdon, J. H. Choline and lecithin in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia: preliminary results from a pilot study. Am J Psychiatry 1979;136(6):772-776. PubMed
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21, Chapter 1, Subchapter B, Part 184: Direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe. Subpart B - listing of specific substances affirmed as GRAS. Sec. 184.1400 Lecithin. Available at: https:
Phosphatidylcholine 15 references
- Domino EF, May WW, Demetriou S, et al. Lack of clinically significant improvement of patients with tardive dyskinesia following phosphatidylcholine therapy. Biol Psychiatry 1985;20:1189-96. PubMed
- Aronson PJ, Lorincz AL. Promotion of palmar sweating with oral phosphatidylcholine. Acta Derm Venereol 1985;65:19-24. DOI
- Hexsel DM, Serra M, de Oliveira Dal'Forno T, et al. Cosmetic uses of injectable phosphatidylcholine on the face. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2005;38:1119-29. PubMed
- Kopera D, Binder B, Toplak H, et al. Histopathologic changes after intralesional application of phosphatidylcholine for lipoma reduction: report of a case. Am J Dermatopathol 2006;28:331-3. PubMed
- Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of lower lid bulging due to prominent fat pads. Dermatol Surg 2001;27:391-2. PubMed
- Rotunda AM, Kolodney MS. Mesotherapy and phosphatidylcholine injections: historical clarification and review. Dermatol Surg 2006;32:465-80. PubMed
- Hexsel D, Serra M, Mazzuco R, et al. Phosphatidylcholine in the treatment of localized fat. J Drugs Dermatol 2003;2:511-8.
- Hasengschwandtner F. Phosphatidylcholine treatment to induce lipolysis. Cosmet Dermatol 2005;4:308-13. PubMed
- Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of localized fat deposits. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2003;27:315-8. PubMed
- Ablon G, Rotunda AM. Treatment of lower eyelid fat pads using phosphatidylcholine: clinical trial and review. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:422-7. PubMed
- Loguercio C, Andreone P, Brisc C, et al. Silybin combined with phosphatidylcholine and vitamin E in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. Free Radic Biol Med 2012;52(9):1658-65. PubMed
- Panos, J. M., Palson, R., Johnson, R., Portmann, B., and Williams, R. Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine for acute alcoholic hepatitis: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. Eur.J.Gastroenterol 1990;2:351-355.
- Stremmel W, Braun A, Hanemann A, Ehehalt R, Autschbach F, Karner M. Delayed release phosphatidylcholine in chronic-active ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blinded, dose finding study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2010;44(5):e101-7. PubMed
- Stremmel W, Ehehalt R, Autschbach F, Karner M. Phosphatidylcholine for steroid-refractory chronic ulcerative colitis: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(9):603-10. PubMed
- Stremmel W, Vural H, Evliyaoglu O, Weiskirchen R. Delayed Release Phosphatidylcholine is Effective for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis. Dig Dis 2021;39(5):508-515. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC