Lecithin
Lecithin is also
known as phosphatidylcholine.
Lecithin is the main phospholipid
present in bile. If its levels are
low, cholesterol may super
concentrate and gallstones
can potentially form. Supplementation with lecithin can
reduce the chance of gallstones
forming. Llecithin will not cause
the immediate dissolution or reduction of all
ready-formed stones. [10]
Lipotropic
factors
Specific lipotropic
factors are choline, methionine,
carnitine, and Inositol. Lipotropic factors are substances
that increase the fat metabolism
in the liver. Lipotropic factors
work to reduce the amount of fat
deposited in the liver, which in
turn decrease the amount of
cholesterol in the bile (since
bile is made in the liver). Lipotropic factors can also affect
the amplitude of contraction of
the gallbladder, or act as
cholegogues. [11]
One particular study found
that patients with gallstones have
a decreased amplitude of contraction
in response to normal signaling
from the pancreas. Inositol was
shown to improve
gallbladder contraction in
response to this signal. [12]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very
useful for the prevention of
gallstones. Patients with
gallstones have a lower intake of
Vitamin C .[13]
A deficiency in Vitamin C has been
shown to result in a decreased
breakdown of cholesterol into bile
acids, which results in increased
stone formation. [14]
Study has shown that high doses of Vitamin C
was shown to reduce the tendency
of bile to form stones. [15] Another study found that
the
supplementation of Vitamin C, along with Vitamin
E, may provide a far greater reduction
in one's risk of developing
gallstones. [16]
Cynara scolymus,
Artichoke Leaf
Artichoke leaf is a
cholegogue, meaning it stimulates
the gallbladder to contract and
empty its contents into the small
intestine. [17] Because biliary sludge is a
contributing factor to the
formation of gallstones,
cholegogues are an effective
treatment. One must be cautious
about stimulating the gallbladder. If the gallstones are large enough
to get stuck in the bile duct, then
stimulation is contraindicated
because of the risk of
obstruction. In a study using
animal models, artichoke leaf
extract was also shown to increase
both bile acid concentration and bile secretion.[18]
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