Lecithin is a fat that is essential in the cells of the body. It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks. Lecithin is taken as a medicine and is also used in the manufacturing of medicines.
Lecithin works as an emulsifier, meaning it suspends fats and oils and keeps them from mixing with other substances. Lecithin supplements can be purchased to help treat high cholesterol, as a breastfeeding aid, and to treat ulcerative colitis, among other things. Lecithin is also used for treating memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.