Composition of soybean lecithin

Abstract
Commercial soybean lecithin is a complex mixture containing ca. 65–75% phospholipids together with triglycerides and smaller amounts of other substances. The major phospholipids include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and inositol‐containing phosphatides. Other substances reported include carbohydrates, pigments, sterols and sterol glycosides. This paper reviews the nature of the compounds found in soybean lecithin and our present knowledge of its composition.