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Demystifying Soy Lecithin: Is This Common Food Additive Actually Made from Pork?

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Lecithin was investigated in diets for growing-finishing pigs. Diets were based on corn and soybean meal and contained a constant ME:lysine level. Exp. looked into how lecithin can be used as an emulsifier to help pigs use soy oil. 1. The diets were set up in an x-factorial structure with two levels of lecithin (0% and 202%) and two levels of soy oil (0% and 206%). There were no interactions between lecithin and soy oil for any measurements of growth performance. In general, the inclusion of lecithin or soy oil did not affect (P > . 1) ADG but did improve (P < . 01) gain/feed during the finishing period and during the entire experiment. During the finishing period, gain/ME intake was improved (P < . 01) by both lecithin and soy oil. The use of lecithin as an energy source for pigs was investigated in Exp. 2. Dietary treatments were corn and soybean meal diets with 0, 1, 2, or 3% lecithin. The four levels of lecithin did not make a significant difference in the performance of the pigs as measured by ADG, ADFI, gain/feed, and gain/ME intake. Lecithin did not improve utilization of soy oil by growing-finishing pigs. Furthermore, lecithin was not an efficacious source of supplemental dietary fat for growing-finishing pigs in this study.

Scan the ingredients list on packaged foods and you’ll likely come across “soy lecithin” again and again This emulsifier is found in everything from chocolate and baked goods to supplements and non-dairy milk But where does soy lecithin come from and what exactly is it? Most notably, is there pork in it? Let’s find out.

Soy lecithin is one of the most ubiquitous food additives used today. While its name sounds somewhat strange and chemical-laden, it’s actually a naturally derived soybean extract. Still, some consumers question if pork factors into the production process.

In this article we’ll uncover the origins of soy lecithin how it’s made, and whether any pork is used to produce this common ingredient.

What is Soy Lecithin?

Lecithin is a generic term referring to a group of fatty compounds called phospholipids. It’s found naturally in both plants and animals. The lecithin used in food production typically comes from soybeans, eggs, or sunflowers.

Soy lecithin specifically is extracted from soybeans, usually as a byproduct of soybean oil manufacturing. It contains choline, fatty acids, phospholipids, and other micronutrients found naturally in soy.

Due to its molecular structure, soy lecithin is excellent at emulsifying, meaning it helps blend ingredients that normally don’t mix, like oil and water. That’s why it’s added to many packaged foods, to improve texture and shelf life.

Beyond food, soy lecithin has uses in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, inks, lubricants, and more. But it’s most prolific in the food industry.

The Origins and Production of Soy Lecithin

Soy lecithin first emerged as a commercial food additive in the 1930s. But soybeans themselves have a much longer history.

Soybeans are native to East Asia and have been cultivated there for millennia. Traditional uses were mainly for oil, sauce, and legume products like tofu, miso, and tempeh. Soy was introduced to the US in the 1700s but wasn’t widely grown until the 1920s and 30s.

To produce soy lecithin:

  • Soybeans are cleaned and cracked to loosen the oil.

  • Then oil is extracted, usually using a chemical solvent like hexane.

  • Crude soy oil goes through a degumming process to remove lecithin and other phospholipids.

  • Lecithin is separated from oil by washing with water.

  • Finally, the lecithin is purified via filtration and drying.

The resulting product is a brownish powder, granules, or viscous liquid, depending on moisture content.

Does Making Soy Lecithin Involve Pork or Other Animal Products?

Here’s the question many consumers want answered: do animal products like pork play any role in creating soy lecithin?

The short answer is no. Soy lecithin production does not use any meat or animal byproducts. It’s made purely from soybean oil and completely vegetarian.

Now, other types of lecithin can come from animal sources:

  • Egg lecithin is extracted from egg yolks

  • Sunflower lecithin comes from sunflower seeds

But any lecithin simply labeled as “soy lecithin” contains no ingredients or derivatives from animals. It’s 100% plant-based.

Why Do People Think Soy Lecithin Contains Pork?

Some of the confusion around soy lecithin containing pork likely stems from the term “lecithin” itself. Since lecithin can be sourced from either plants or animals, it’s easy to assume soy lecithin may contain animal parts.

Additionally, lecithin is sometimes used interchangeably with monoglycerides on ingredient lists. And monoglycerides can come from either plant or animal fats. However, any ingredient listing specifically reading “soy lecithin” indicates it comes strictly from soybeans.

Health Benefits and Concerns Around Soy Lecithin

Soy lecithin provides several potential health upsides:

  • Choline: Soy lecithin contains 10-20% choline, an essential nutrient important for cell membrane health, liver function, nerve signals, and metabolism.

  • Cardiovascular benefits: Soy lecithin may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce risk of atherosclerosis.

  • Cognitive function: Choline in soy lecithin plays a role in memory, mood, muscle control, and brain development.

  • Antioxidants: Soy lecithin provides antioxidant compounds that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals.

However, there are some downsides to consider:

  • Allergies: Soy is one of the eight most common allergens. Soy lecithin may contain trace residues that could trigger sensitive individuals.

  • GMO crops: Most soybean crops today are genetically modified. Soy lecithin likely comes from GMO soy unless the label indicates it’s organic.

Overall, soy lecithin is considered safe by the FDA and most health authorities. But as with any additive, moderation is wise.

The Takeaway: Soy Lecithin and Pork Products Don’t Mix

While new food ingredients can certainly seem confusing, rest assured that soy lecithin does not contain any pork. This plant-based emulsifier is produced purely from soybean oil.

Soy lecithin offers some useful functional properties, like extending shelf life and improving texture. It also provides dietary choline and other nutritional components.

However, some choose to avoid soy lecithin due to GMO concerns or soy allergies. Thankfully alternates like sunflower lecithin are becoming more available.

Regardless of whether you opt for soy lecithin or not, you can eat it without fear of consuming pork. Soy lecithin production simply utilizes soybean oil and water to extract the naturally occurring phospholipids. No pigs come anywhere near the process.

So check ingredient labels with confidence and enjoy your favorite foods, knowing soy lecithin is plant-based. This common additive relies solely on the mighty soybean to provide its emulsifying power!

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What is Soy Lecithin? How Is Soy Lecithin Made?

FAQ

What food additives contain pork?

While gelatin comes from beef too, most often the gelatin listed in ingredient labels comes from pork. Baked goods: cysteine is commonly found in baked goods. Cysteine is commonly made from pig bristles. Chewing Gum: fruit gums often contain again gelatin and other gum has stearic acid listed as an ingredient.

What ingredients are derived from pork?

Pork products are used to make snack food. such as puddings, jellos, chips, crackers, cookies, donuts, marshmallows. Pork products are also found in some brands to be cake, frosted cheese spreads, yogurt, butter, and ice cream. Working the form of glycerin, carrots, and collagen.

Is pork in pop tarts?

Pork gelatin is used in Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® bars. Beef gelatin is used in Kellogg’s® Pop-Tarts® Toaster Pastries. Because the gelatin is used in the icing, our Unfrosted Blueberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and Strawberry varieties do not contain any gelatin.

Is yellow number 5 pork?

It’s been said that the Yellow #5 dye in Mountain Dew is derived from pork. This is not true. However, this does not mean that it’s any better for you. As it turns out, Yellow #5 is derived from petroleum.

Are there soy proteins in soy lecithin?

Experts say there are no soy proteins in soy lecithin, but those with an allergy to soy may still want to avoid it. If the source of lecithin is not labeled on a food product, you may need to contact the manufacturer or avoid the product altogether to avoid an allergic reaction. Digestive Problems

Is soy lecithin good for You?

When you choose the right soy lecithin products, it actually boasts potential health benefits, such as its ability to lower cholesterol levels and boost brain function. However, the soy lecithin world can be tricky, as it is indeed made from soy, a food that I typically try to avoid unless it’s fermented.

What foods contain soy lecithin?

Soy lecithin, rich in essential fatty acids, isn’t just an additive. It can be found naturally in everyday, natural foods, including whole eggs for breakfst, milk and other dairy products (this includes ice cream, right?), edamame, chicken liver, and more.

Why is soy lecithin added to food products?

The reason soy lecithin is added to food products is to act as an emulsifier (back to the oil and water theory) and improve the texture of many foods. Think salad dressing and baked goods. Because soy lecithin prevents fat and water separation, it prevents spoilage in the food products and extends shelf life.

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