commercial lecithin

Lecithin refers to a group of phospholipids crucial for cell structure and metabolism. These compounds are made of phosphoric acid, choline, glycerol esters, and fatty acids, with variations leading to different biological functions. Pure lecithin is white and waxy, while commercial lecithin, often derived from soybean oil, is brown to yellow and used as a wetting and emulsifying agent.12

Commercial lecithin is a mixture of phospholipids, including lecithin, cephalin, and phosphatidyl inositol, along with neutral oil. It is a primary source of commercial lecithin, obtained through a process called degumming, which removes phospholipids from natural oils. This emulsifying agent is found in products like margarine, chocolate, animal feeds, cosmetics, and paints.13