Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) has some scientific basis for its potential role in supporting or treating gallstones, but the evidence remains preliminary and limited, justifying a score of 2 out of 5. PC is a major component of bile, where it functions to solubilize cholesterol, thereby preventing its crystallization and subsequent gallstone formation. Animal studies, particularly in rodents, have demonstrated that dietary supplementation with phosphatidylcholine can decrease the incidence of cholesterol gallstone formation. The mechanism is believed to involve enhanced biliary secretion of phospholipids, which helps maintain cholesterol in a soluble state within bile. Some early human studies and observational data suggest that individuals with lower biliary phosphatidylcholine concentrations are at increased risk for cholesterol gallstones. Additionally, certain rare genetic conditions that impair biliary PC secretion (such as ABCB4/MDR3 deficiency) are strongly associated with gallstone disease. However, robust clinical trials examining the effectiveness of oral PC supplementation in preventing or treating gallstones in the general population are lacking. While the theoretical and preclinical rationale is sound, and small-scale data point to a potentially beneficial effect, the absence of large, high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans limits the strength of the recommendation. Therefore, while there is some scientific basis for the use of phosphatidylcholine in gallstone management, it should be considered investigational rather than an established therapy at this time.

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