DEFINITION

Lecithin is a complex mixture of acetone-insoluble phosphatides, which consist chiefly of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidic acid, present in conjunction with various amounts of other substances such as triglycerides, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, as separated from the crude vegetable oil source. The content of each of the phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidic acid) is indicated on the certificate of analysis.