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Dietary supplement

Phosphatidyl Choline Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Carlson

Phosphatidyl Choline label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Minor
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Phosphatidyl Choline 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Phosphatidyl Choline is a dietary supplement by Carlson with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for liver health, memory and brain support, ulcerative colitis.Based on those ingredients, 16 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 3, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Phosphatidyl Choline” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (400 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson contains 2 active ingredients: choline and a phosphatidylcholine complex. Choline is a nutrient your body uses to make acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in your brain and nervous system, and to maintain cell membranes.

Phosphatidylcholine is a compound found naturally in foods like eggs and soybeans; it's a form of choline that may support liver health and brain function. The softgel also contains medium chain triglyceride oil and a soft gel shell as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports healthy brain function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Cognitive function, Dementia, Memory, neurocognitive health — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Choline is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Choline is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alzheimer disease, Cognitive function, Dementia.
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylcholine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alzheimer disease, Memory, Dementia.

The evidence for choline in this product is mixed. For athletic performance, choline is rated possibly ineffective.

For several other uses — age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, allergic rhinitis, and liver disease related to total parenteral nutrition — the evidence is too limited to rate. The phosphatidylcholine complex shows possibly effective evidence for ulcerative colitis, though evidence for other uses like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and Alzheimer disease remains insufficient.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylcholine Choline

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Choline is generally well tolerated at food amounts, but high-dose supplements can cause side effects. Doses above 3.5 grams daily carry risk; at 9 grams or more daily, fishy body odor, diarrhea, nausea, sweating, and vomiting have been reported.

Phosphatidylcholine is also generally well tolerated orally, though high doses (30 grams daily) can cause gastrointestinal upset, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, altered taste, and vomiting. During pregnancy, choline is important and rated likely safe, but use only the dose your doctor advises.

While breastfeeding, choline needs are higher, but supplement use beyond food sources should be discussed with your healthcare provider first — we hold insufficient data on phosphatidylcholine safety in breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylcholine Choline

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Choline.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 16 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this supplement, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take atropine or any anticholinergic drugs (medications that block acetylcholine activity in your body). Choline may theoretically lower how well these medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may be worth considering if you're looking for choline or phosphatidylcholine support, though the evidence for specific conditions is limited. If you take atropine or other anticholinergic medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — choline may interfere with how they work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk it over with your healthcare provider to make sure the dose is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 23, 2015.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Phosphatidyl Choline, straight from the product label.

Brand Carlson
Barcode (UPC) 088395087622
Net contents 250 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 23, 2015
DSLD ID 55032
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
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 Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
088395087622
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 {Calories}--
Calories from Fat10 {Calories}--
Total Fat1 Gram(s)2%
Choline54 mg--
Phosphatidyl Choline Complex1200 mg--
Phosphatidyl Choline400 mg--

Other ingredients: Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil, Soft Gel Shell

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
Formula

Contains soy.

54 mg of Choline

Naturally contains Phosphatidyl ethanolamione and phosphatidyl inositol.

Precautions

Contains soy.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Supports Healthy Brain Function*

Phosphatidyl Choline is the most plentiful of the phospholipids, a group of specialized fat molecules, found in plant and animal cells. An important building block of cell membranes, phosphatidyl choline helps form the lining around each cell. Carlson Phosphatidyl Choline is derived from soy lecithin, a natural source of choline. Vital to the body, choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter required for healthy normal brain and nervous system function.*

Gluten-free Sugar-free Preservative-free

Potency & Quality Guaranteed

An FDA Regulated Facility

FDA Disclaimer Statement

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one soft gel one to three times daily, at mealtime.

General

8762-2b

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Phosphatidyl Choline label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Phosphatidyl Choline Complex

No known
interactions
1200 mg per serving Form: Soy Lecithin

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, bu...

Phosphatidyl Choline Complex monograph & interactions

Phosphatidyl Choline

No known
interactions
400 mg per serving

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, bu...

Phosphatidyl Choline monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil, Soft Gel Shell. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Phosphatidyl Choline?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
16Drugs
16 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Phosphatidyl Choline interact with 16 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

0 of the 2 ingredients in Phosphatidyl Choline interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible.

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Phosphatidyl Choline with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Phosphatidyl Choline, from the product label.

Carlson

See all Carlson products
Name
Carlson Div. of J.R. Carlson Laboratories, Inc.
City
Arlington Heights
State
IL
ZipCode
60004
Phone Number
888-234-5656
Web Address
www.carlsonlabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson: Common Questions

Does Phosphatidyl Choline by Carlson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Phosphatidyl Choline has a known interaction with 16 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Phosphatidyl Choline contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this give me a fishy smell?
Possibly. A fishy body odor is the most common side effect of choline, especially at higher doses. It happens because your gut breaks down choline into trimethylamine. Staying at the recommended dose lowers your risk, but it's something to be aware of.
Is this safe to take while pregnant?
Choline is rated likely safe in pregnancy, and it's actually important during this time. But don't self-dose — use only the amount your doctor recommends, whether from prenatal vitamins or a separate supplement.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Choline needs do go up while breastfeeding, but we don't have enough reliable safety data on supplement doses of phosphatidylcholine during nursing. Talk with your healthcare provider first before starting.
What is phosphatidylcholine used for?
Phosphatidylcholine is a naturally occurring compound that may support liver and brain health. In our data, it shows possibly effective evidence for ulcerative colitis, though evidence for other conditions is still being studied.
What happens if I take too much?
Choline's upper safe limit is 3.5 grams daily. Beyond that — especially at 9 grams or more — you risk diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and that fishy odor. High doses of phosphatidylcholine can also trigger gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Phosphatidyl Choline is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

Phosphatidyl Choline label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Phosphatidyl Choline’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Phosphatidylcholine

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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Choline

Interacts with 16 drugs

Choline is an essential nutrient your body needs for liver function, brain health, and nerve signaling, and many people get enough from foods like eggs, meat, and fish. Supplements may help...

Read the full Choline monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Phosphatidyl Choline'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.

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 29 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.

Choline 14 references
  1. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  2. Cho E, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. Dietary choline and betaine and the risk of distal colorectal adenoma in women. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:1224-31. PubMed
  3. Schmidt, C., Abicht, A., Krampfl, K., Voss, W., Stucka, R., Mildner, G., Petrova, S., Schara, U., Mortier, W., Bufler, J., Huebner, A., and Lochmuller, H. Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to a novel missense mutation in the gene encoding choline acetyl
  4. Tamminga, C., Smith, R. C., Chang, S., Haraszti, J. S., and Davis, J. M. Depression associated with oral choline. Lancet 10-23-1976;2(7991):905. PubMed
  5. Wood, J. L. and Allison, R. G. Effects of consumption of choline and lecithin on neurological and cardiovascular systems. Fed.Proc. 1982;41(14):3015-3021.
  6. Growdon, J. H. and Gelenberg, A. J. Choline and lecithin administration to patients with tardive dyskinesia. Trans.Am.Neurol.Assoc. 1978;103:95-99.
  7. Smith, C. M., Swash, M., Exton-Smith, A. N., Phillips, M. J., Overstall, P. W., Piper, M. E., and Bailey, M. R. Choline therapy in Alzheimer's disease. Lancet 8-5-1978;2(8084):318. PubMed
  8. Morrison, L. M. and W. F. Gonzales. Choline in coronary atherosclerosis. Amer.Heart J. 1950;39:729.
  9. Christie, J. G. Blackburn 1. M. Glen A. I. M. Zeisel S. Shering A. & Yates C. M. Effects of choline and lecithin on CSF choline levels and on cognitive functioning in patients with presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type. Nutrition and the brain 1979;5
  10. Sidhu N, Davies S, Nadarajah A, et al. Oral choline supplementation for postoperative pain. Br J Anaesth 2013;111(2):249-55. PubMed
  11. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders has high feasibility and tolerability. Nutr Res. 2013;33(11):897-904. PubMed
  12. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol disorders: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(5): 1113-25.
  13. Ross RG, Hunter SK, McCarthy L, et al. Perinatal choline effects on neonatal pathophysiology related to later schizophrenia risk. Am J Psychiatry. 2013;170(3):290-8. PubMed
  14. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Choline. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press; 1998:390-422.

See these in context on the Choline monograph →

Phosphatidylcholine 15 references
  1. 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
  2. Aronson PJ, Lorincz AL. Promotion of palmar sweating with oral phosphatidylcholine. Acta Derm Venereol 1985;65:19-24. DOI
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of lower lid bulging due to prominent fat pads. Dermatol Surg 2001;27:391-2. PubMed
  6. Rotunda AM, Kolodney MS. Mesotherapy and phosphatidylcholine injections: historical clarification and review. Dermatol Surg 2006;32:465-80. PubMed
  7. Hexsel D, Serra M, Mazzuco R, et al. Phosphatidylcholine in the treatment of localized fat. J Drugs Dermatol 2003;2:511-8.
  8. Hasengschwandtner F. Phosphatidylcholine treatment to induce lipolysis. Cosmet Dermatol 2005;4:308-13. PubMed
  9. Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of localized fat deposits. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2003;27:315-8. PubMed
  10. Ablon G, Rotunda AM. Treatment of lower eyelid fat pads using phosphatidylcholine: clinical trial and review. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:422-7. PubMed
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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

See these in context on the Phosphatidylcholine monograph →

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

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