Vegan or animal? Lecithin consists mostly of vegetable products

Diet: Lecithin as an additive mostly from plant sources
The E-numbers given on food packaging are often confusing to many consumers. For example, lecithin (E 322) should not be vegetarian. Consumer advocates clarify: The additive consists largely of vegetable products.

What is lecithin actually made of??
Lecithins are important to health. Among other things, they protect the liver, promote the strength of the nerves and improve the ability to concentrate and memory. In addition, the intake of lecithin in some chronic inflammatory bowel disease help, as older studies showed. But even if lecithin is on everyone's lips, only a few know exactly what this additive consists of. Rumors circulate on the Internet that lecithin (E 322) should contain animal blood and therefore not suitable for vegetarians.

There are rumors circulating on the Internet that lecithin contains animal blood. Most of the additive consists of vegetable products, explain consumer advocates. (Image: avirid / fotolia.com)

"Mostly from plant sources"
However, Susanne Moritz from the Bavarian consumer center said in a statement: "Lecithin is largely obtained as a food additive from plant sources." The raw material is therefore mainly soybeans, but also sunflowers, oilseed rape, peanuts or corn. Animal sources of yolk or whey are possible. In the case of allergens such as chicken eggs, soybeans, peanuts or milk that are subject to labeling, manufacturers must indicate the origin of the additives used. "Vegans should pay attention to the ingredient list of the product and, if in doubt, ask the manufacturer," says Moritz.

As additive E 322 in food
Lecithin is included as additive E 322 in many processed foods. It ensures, among other things, that margarine does not splash when frying or even that doughs can be better kneaded. In addition, fats do not go rancid so fast. Lecithin occurs naturally in animal and plant cells. Especially much is found in egg yolks and cells of plant seeds. They are used not only in food production but also in medicine and cosmetics. (Ad)