The growing popularity of soy lecithin has fueled a large growth spike in the lecithin market. According to Mordor Intelligence, by 2027 the lecithin market will see a CAGR of 6.7%. This increase in the market is connected to the new popularity of lecithin-containing products. Here are several reasons why soy lecithin is enjoying revitalization as well as an overview of what lecithin is.

What Is Lecithin?

Lecithin is a fat (lipid) that naturally occurs in both plants and animals. Soy lecithin comes from soy plants. This lipid is essential for fat transportation, cell processing, tissue stabilization, and nerve signaling. The positive health effects of lecithin have been known since the early 1900s, according to Soy Info Center.

The phosphatides in lecithin are essential to cellular health. In recent years, a new interest has emerged in the health benefits of lecithin and the potential to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This lipid has both industrial and medicinal properties that are fueling its popularity and increasing market share.

Multiple Market Segmentations

There are several market segmentations that are affecting the growth of the overall market. Convenience foods, personal use, and industrial applications make up the largest segments of the soy lecithin end-user market. Lecithin is available in liquid, powder, and capsule form to meet a variety of application needs.

Of the segmental growth, personal use and industrial use have grown the fastest over the last decade at 12% and 9% respectively, according to Grand View Research. The growth in these segments has seen a jump in raw manufacturing and the demand for organic options. Soy lecithin fell off in popularity a few years ago because of concerns about GMO soy. However, many producers have adopted organic growing practices which have helped to increase interest in lecithin options that are soy based.

Natural Health Benefits

More people are interested in healthy living and are searching for ways to improve their health through natural means. Additionally, there has been a renewed interest in lecithin as a food additive by large food manufacturing companies. It is abundantly available and an easily renewable resource that delivers health benefits. Lecithin as a supplement is favored because of the amount of choline that is available with soy lecithin. It is one of the best sources of choline. Choline has been linked to both liver and brain health.

Lecithin has been shown to boost acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine has been identified as a key player in memory and overall brain function. Consumers that want to increase their memory or forgo memory loss are encouraged to take a lecithin supplement.

There is a range of health maladies that lecithin supplements are used to treat globally, including liver function problems, dementia, eczema, gall bladder problems, high cholesterol, and more. The desire to treat illness and prevent illness with alternative methods is increasing interest in lecithin supplements. A combination of consumer interest and big manufacturing interests in response to consumer interest has created an increase in demand for soy lecithin. That demand has elevated the market significantly.

Medical and Industrial Applications

Supplements are not the only products that use lecithin. Lecithin can be used to transport medication. It is often used as an emulsifier in certain medications. There are several medical uses for lecithin that have helped grow the market for soy lecithin.

There are many industrial applications of lecithin. It's used in petroleum applications as an emulsifier, cooking sprays, paint and ink products, and many types of lubricant products as well as textile treatments. In fact, using lecithin for industrial, manufacturing, and medical applications is the norm.

Most people on the planet use one or more products each day that contain some amount of lecithin, whether or not they know it. Some people will purposefully search for and add lecithin to their diets or products people use will have a raw product that uses lecithin. The market will continue to grow as the interest in and need for lecithin continues to grow. If you're interested in purchasing soy lecithin, reach out to Clarkson Specialty Lecithins today! We've been in business since 2003 and know the lecithin market inside and out. We'd be happy to help you find the products you need.