NOW Foods Sunflower Lecithin 1200 mg is a soy-free, non-GMO lecithin softgel. Each softgel provides 1,200 mg of sunflower lecithin, with 360 mg of phosphatidylcholine per two-softgel serving. Available in 100 and 200 softgel bottles.

Lecithin is a mixture of phospholipids, the fat-based molecules found in cell membranes. Most lecithin supplements are made from soy. This one is made from sunflower seeds, so it carries no soy allergen declaration. It is a plain lecithin product: no added vitamins, no choline declared separately, and no authorised EU health claim. The softgel shell is bovine gelatin, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Supplement Facts

† No EU Nutrient Reference Value is set for lecithin or phosphatidylcholine. Energy converted from the manufacturer's declared 25 kcal.
Ingredients: Sunflower lecithin, softgel capsule (bovine gelatin, glycerin, water), organic extra virgin olive oil.
Allergen information: Contains no declared EU allergens. Sunflower is not one of the 14 EU-listed allergens. Produced in a facility that processes other allergen-containing ingredients. Not labelled or certified gluten free. Avoid if you are allergic to sunflower seeds. Always check the label on the pack you receive.

Key Features

• 1,200 mg sunflower lecithin per softgel, 2,400 mg per daily serving
• 360 mg phosphatidylcholine per serving, declared on the label (most lecithin products do not state this figure)
• Made from sunflower seeds, not soy: no soy allergen declaration
• Non-GMO per the manufacturer
• No added colours, sweeteners or flavourings: lecithin, softgel shell and olive oil only
• Choose 100 softgels (50 days) or 200 softgels (100 days)
• Stocked in Dublin, dispatched from Ireland, no customs charges

How to take

Take 2 softgels daily with food. Adults 18 and over. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Store in a cool, dry place after opening. At two softgels a day, the 100-count bottle lasts 50 days and the 200-count bottle lasts 100 days.

Frequently asked questions

What is NOW Foods Sunflower Lecithin 1200 mg?

It is a food supplement containing lecithin extracted from sunflower seeds, in a softgel. Lecithin is a mixture of phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine, with phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. Lecithin from any source is also the permitted EU food additive E 322. Each softgel contains 1,200 mg of sunflower lecithin, and the suggested serving is two softgels a day.

How much lecithin and phosphatidylcholine is in each serving?

Two softgels provide 2,400 mg of sunflower lecithin, of which the label declares 360 mg as phosphatidylcholine. The label does not declare a separate choline figure. Choline is one part of the phosphatidylcholine molecule, so 360 mg of phosphatidylcholine is not 360 mg of choline, and no choline claim is made for this product.

What is the difference between sunflower lecithin and soy lecithin?

The source plant, and what that means for allergen labelling. Soybeans are one of the 14 allergens that must be declared on EU food labels; sunflower is not. Both are lecithin, both carry the additive number E 322, and both are mainly phosphatidylcholine. Processing and GM status vary by manufacturer. NOW states this product is non-GMO and soy-free.

Softgels or granules, powder or liquid: which should I choose?

Softgels give a measured dose with no weighing or taste. Granules and powder suit smoothies and cooking but need measuring. Liquid lecithin is mainly used in recipes. This product is the softgel format only. At two a day, 100 softgels last 50 days and 200 last 100 days.

Is NOW Foods Sunflower Lecithin suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No. The softgel shell is made from bovine (beef) gelatin, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. The lecithin itself is plant-derived. If you need a gelatin-free option, look for sunflower lecithin granules or powder and check the label.

How do I take it and when?

Take two softgels once a day with food, as directed by the manufacturer. Adults only. There is no official EU recommended intake for lecithin, so follow the label of the product you buy and do not exceed the stated daily amount unless a clinician has advised you to.

Is sunflower lecithin safe? Are there side effects?

EFSA re-evaluated lecithins (E 322) as a food additive in 2017 and found no safety concern for the general population at the assessed uses and exposure levels. That is not a product-specific assessment of supplement use. Avoid this product if you are allergic to sunflower seeds. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use.

Can I take sunflower lecithin while breastfeeding?

Ask your GP, public health nurse or a lactation consultant first. The manufacturer's label says to consult a physician if nursing. Probiotic.ie does not sell this product for breastfeeding or for any condition, and no claim is made for it. Our sunflower lecithin guide sets out where the published evidence and the HSE guidance stand.

Is sunflower lecithin legal in Ireland?

Yes. Sunflower lecithin is sold in Ireland as a food supplement under FSAI food supplement rules and is a permitted EU food additive (E 322). It is not a medicine and is not licensed by the HPRA. Food supplements are notified to the FSAI, but notification is not an approval, so no supplement is "FSAI approved". Irish VAT on food supplements is 13.5% and is included in the price shown.

Where is it shipped from and are there customs charges?

Every order is stocked in and dispatched from Dublin, so there are no customs charges or import fees for Republic of Ireland customers. Delivery is tracked by An Post or DPD, and DPD delivery is free on orders over €75. Customers in Northern Ireland are served by our UK store, Probiotic.co.uk.

Product details: NOW Foods · Sunflower Lecithin 1200 mg · 100 or 200 softgels · 2 softgels per daily serving · bovine gelatin softgel · soy-free, non-GMO · manufacturer item 2311 (100) and 2313 (200) · authorised Irish retailer for NOW Foods.