Dr. Lynch product Dr. Lynch Q&AUpdated 2 hours ago

Hi E -

Great question.

Your diet sounds great so I don't think you need any more choline.

Choline via the diet is much preferred over supplementation due to supplementation increasing TMAO levels more than from food.

This is why I don't use that much choline in Optimal Prenatal - 250 mg. I find that sufficient for most women as many women are now aware to eat eggs and meat to support a healthy pregnancy.*

If they are not, then that's where I do suggest Optimal PC as you're considering.

PC is less likely to increase TMAO levels than choline bitartrate.

You may want to support healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients from your food by taking 1-2 capsules of Digestive Enzymes with larger meals.* Choline is fatty and hard to absorb so having some additional healthy support is a good idea.* You'll feel 'lighter' as well after eating.

I do suggest taking 1 to 2 capsules of Fish Oil after dinner.

Have a great pregnancy!

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Holly -

You may use it if having high prolactin. In fact, supporting healthy levels of phospholipids, especially phosphatidyl serine, supports healthy prolactin levels.*

Here's a paper stating that phosphatidyl serine supports healthy prolactin levels in vivo:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7198720/

This may be due to high cortisol increasing prolactin levels and phosphatidyl serine supporting healthy cortisol levels.*

Consider supporting healthy prolactin levels by:*

• Phosphatidyl Serine: 1 capsule in the morning after breakfast and 1 before bed.*
• Stress Nutrients: 1-3 capsules in the morning after breakfast on an as needed basis to support a healthy response to stressors.*

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Jenell -

It tastes a bit nutty and the texture is like molasses. I don't think he will like it and it's hard to mix into food or a drink.

I'd look into our Kids Optimal Focus chewable. Give him 1/2 to 1 chewable when it arrives. Sign up to be notified. This has choline in it.
This tastes quite good.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

What is the opsorption in the intestins with this product ... will the acid in the stomach lessen the potency absorbed ? how much/what is obsorbed in the body is what is important. Thank you.

Hi Zoraida -

Optimal PC is a fatty acid so it requires healthy stomach acid and healthy digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver.

With fatty acid nutrients, it's best to take them with a meal.

If your digestion of fat is weak, consider taking 2 capsules of Digestive Enzymes with the Optimal PC.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Mia -

Congratulations on your pregnancy! :)

I'd adjust your intake of Optimal PC to every other day and take after dinner.

Additional folate and B12 can do this as well and the higher estrogen levels.

It is common to have some dirtier skin while pregnant. Good news is you can clean it right up post pregnancy.

I'd also install a chlorine shower filter. Get one on Amazon and it's fast to install. Helps skin a lot.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Jessica -

It's best to support histamine from multiple angles.

If your high histamine is due to weak cell membranes only, then Optimal PC is supportive as it supports healthy cell membranes.*

If you have weak cell membranes, sluggish bile, and higher blood histamine levels and high histamine in your gut, then you need all three as they support different areas of histamine.

Histamine Digest supports healthy histamine in the gut.*

Histamine Nutrients supports healthy histamine in the entire body and blood.*

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Barbara -

Quick answer: Yes.

Your symptoms are actually not that unusual.

Phospholipids contained in Optimal PC are needed for healthy bile production and thus fat digestion. During pregnancy, more phospholipids are redirected toward the baby for healthy nervous system, cellular, and brain development. If you are not producing enough phospholipids you may become deficient during pregnancy which may result in less than optimal bile for you.*

Here are my suggestions:

• Optimal PC: Take 1 - 2 capsules per day with or without food.
• Ox Bile: Take 1 capsule with fatty meals. This may just be temporary.

For healthy weight gain, make sure you consume enough protein (and fats once you've added the above suggestions).

If you can't consume it through diet, consider Optimal Prenatal with Collagen or other collagen powders to add some protein without adding more work for your gallbladder.

Regards,
Elizma Lambert (ElizmaLambert.com)

Hi Sarah,

Our manufacturer confirmed that the Phospholipid Complex is free from Hexane.

In Health,
Kelsi
Regulatory Specialist

Hi Wolf -

Optimal PC can help support healthy bile composition and the healing of cells, including intestinal cells. Healthy gallbladder function plays an important role in protecting against SIBO.

Optimal PC in itself however does not have antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties.

Consider Gut Nutrients to help reduce inflammation and added gallbladder support such as Gallbladder Nutrients and/or Ox Bile if you have SIBO. Ox Bile taken on an empty stomach, such as before bed, helps support healthy small intestine microbiome levels.

You may need to use more specific herbs for urinary tract infections, but I have found that reducing histamine can often go a long way in providing some relief from urinary tract symptoms. ProBiota HistaminX may be helpful here.

All the best :)

Regards,
Elizma Lambert (ElizmaLambert.com)

Hi Robyn -

Seed oils are an issue mostly when they are oxidized or cooked.

Our Optimal PC is contained in a gelatin capsule keeping out oxygen and it is not cooked.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Riku -

You are correct.

This form of choline is superior than just choline itself.

Phosphatidylcholine is the most desired form of choline during pregnancy as it supports healthy bile production, bile flow - which both are problematic in most pregnancies. Additionally, this form of choline supports healthy cell membranes which is key for embryonic development, placenta and neurological development.*

Do note that PC may contribute to low mood in some women. If this happens to you, consider using Optimal PC 2 to 4 nights a week vs each night.

The low mood should be offset by the support found in Optimal Prenatal.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Robyn -

Phospholipids are naturally found in sunflower oil so we use sunflower oil to pull out the phospholipids.

Then, the phospholipids are put into a gel capsule to protect them from oxygen. Oxygen is what hurts oils so you always want to have fish oil or PC in gelatin capsules - not bulk.

Choline from eggs or meat may be associated with increased TMAO levels which may be associated with heart issues.

TMAO is associated with a dirty microbiome so supporting a healthy microbiome is important.

Consider:

• Optimal PC: 1 capsule three times a week after dinner
• ProBiota HistaminX: 1 capsule after dinner each night
• Fish Oil: 1 capsule after dinner

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hello Lynn,

The Phospholipid Complex in the Optimal PC dose contain Sunflower Lecithin from Sunflower Oil. This material is highly processed to create the phospholipids in this complex.

In Health,
Kelsi
Regulatory Specialist

Hi Bille -

PC supports the healthy transport of lipids out of the liver so it designed to support healthy lipid levels.* I don't think this is the culprit.

I'd support healthy lipids by adding in 1 capsule of Acetyl-L-Carnitine and take it first thing in the morning upon waking.*

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Paul -

Correct.

Choline and Folate have an inverse relationship and support each other when one is low.

Optimal PC will mellow you out too much as it supports phosphatidylcholine and not the cholines that you're looking for.

I hear your thoughts.

Keep in mind that prior you mentioned you felt good on Vynanse so I want to ensure that you are clear that this medication increases dopamine in your brain - it doesn't clear it out.

Here's what I recommend you try - which works well with two of my sons who are in college:

• Brain Nutrients: 1/2 to 1 lozenge in the morning immediately upon waking up
• Dopamine Nutrients: 1 capsule with a protein based breakfast (eggs, meat, collagen, whey protein)
• Optimal Focus: 1 capsule to start. This has CDP choline and alphasize GPC along with uridine, huperzine and others.

Try EACH ONE alone first to see how you feel - and 1/2 a lozenge of Brain Nutrients to start - and best upon waking. Have on your bed stand.

Then, see how you feel with just that.

Next morning, you can try the Brain Nutrients if you liked how you felt the day prior AND add in 1 capsule of Optimal Focus.

Experience that combination.

Then, following day, or maybe two days later to rest your brain, try the combination of 1/2 lozenge of Brain Nutrients with 1 cap of Dopamine Nutrients.

You'll definitely notice a different feeling.

I do well with stacking Brain Nutrients and Optimal Focus.

Dopamine Nutrients is too strong for me despite my fast COMT and fast MAOA elimination routes - but I have a fast TH, fast transport and slow reuptake - but my receptors aren't as sensitive - but I feel I need 1/4 a capsule or 1/2 of Dopamine Nutrients because of this as 1 capsule is too strong for me. I may make the serving size 3 capsules vs 2 to allow more dosage flexibility.

Keep in mind that the effects of Optimal Focus seem to carry over into the next day which is amazing.

By far, the Brain Nutrients and Optimal Focus are my two favorite nootropics.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Nkannan -

Yes, that's a good idea to add additional CoQ10.

We have CoQ10 in the Optimal Prenatal and Optimal Man but more is definitely a good call.

We do offer a trademarked CoQ10 separately as well in 100 mg potency.

I would say they are all very important to take.

I'd take them all each day with these tweaks:

• Optimal PC: take this a few nights a week after dinner or before bed. Your partner should, too.
• Digestive Enzymes: take this during meals that you feel you need additional healthy digestive support otherwise don't use them.*
• CoQ10: your partner and you should consider this daily with lunch or breakfast

Read this Miscarriage Guide fully as well:
https://www.seekinghealth.com/pages/your-guide-to-recurrent-miscarriage

You'll both learn a lot of very valuable information there.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Fortunato -

If you want choline, then I recommend using Optimal Focus as it provides two different high quality forms of choline as alpha-GPC and CDP-choline.

Optimal PC provides phospholipids designed to support healthy phosphatidylcholine and other healthy lipids for healthy cell membranes and healthy bile flow and healthy breast milk flow.*

The body does break phosphatidylcholine down using the enzyme phosphatidylcholineesterase into choline.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Cal -

Great question.

You want to do a more multi prong approach in this situation.

Consider this combination to support a healthy response to stress:*

• Fish Oil: 1 capsule after dinner
• Optimal PC: 1 capsule after dinner
• Joint Nutrients: 1 capsule before bed and 1 capsule upon rising
• Histamine Nutrients: 1-2 capsules before bed or upon rising
• Optimal Electrolyte: 1-3 servings a day

I highly recommend reading Dirty Genes book as well to help identify common ways to support health - and not so common ways.

Reading and working through the Histamine Workbook is also highly recommended.

In health,

Dr. Lynch

Hi Kara -

That is possible from the Optimal PC.

Consider:

• pausing the Optimal PC for now and take it just a few nights a week after a week of pause
• Liver Nutrients: take 1 capsule after dinner
• Glutathione Plus lozenge: 1/2 to 1 lozenge upon waking in the morning - first thing

I'd also work with your doctor on identifying the cause of the enlarged liver as there can be many things:

Hepatomegaly, also known as an enlarged liver, can be caused by many conditions, including:
Infections: Hepatitis A, B, or C, infectious mononucleosis, malaria, amoeba infections, and more
Medications: Toxic hepatitis from medication overdoses, or large doses of vitamins, supplements, or prescription or over-the-counter medicines
Alcohol: Chronic or acute alcohol-associated hepatitis
Fatty liver disease: From alcohol or metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, high triglycerides, or diabetes
Genetic disorders: Hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, or alpha-1 anti-trypsin disease
Other conditions: parasites, anemias, toxic states, storage diseases, heart failure, congenital heart disease, and metabolic disturbances

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Krissy -

I'm happy to hear you're experiencing success so far :)

Choline may cause increased levels of TMAO in people with a microbiome that produces it. TMAO is associated with heart and blood flow issues - that said, to me it's a gut health issue not a choline issue.

PC is very supportive of healthy cell membranes and is essential for healthy cholesterol, blood flow, bile flow and mental performance.*

High B6 is commonly shown in blood work and I am not concerned about that. I would support with Serotonin Nutrients in the evening before bed or along with Optimal PC.

Check your homocysteine levels. You want them around 6 umol/L to 8 umol/L

If they are higher than this, consider Homocysteine Nutrients. That may also help support your low mood as it has methylfolate and methylcobalamin in it which supports healthy mood.*

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Annie -

Lower mood is associated with higher phosphatidylcholine levels.

There is a relationship between phosphatidylcholine and serotonin.

Those who are low in serotonin definitely can feel the lower mood potential effect of Optimal PC.

Consider:

• Serotonin Nutrients: take 1 capsule of Serotonin Nutrients when you take 1 capsule of Optimal PC to support a healthy serotonin and phosphatidylcholine ratio.*

I suspect this will support you.

The question is then - should I take Optimal PC if it is giving me a negative side effect?

Short answer: yes.

Here's why:

• For every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
• When one takes a new supplement, it opens the door in identifying a potential additional deficiency or excess to work on
• health is a moving target that we are constantly seeking, gaining, losing and seeking again. Seeking Health is life long.

You may have identified a need for more serotonin support in your life. Let's see what happens with an adjustment here.

On days you feel good, skip the Serotonin Nutrients.

Also consider taking Optimal PC less frequently - perhaps 3 nights a week for nightly. At first, one needs Optimal PC often - and then as they feel more supported, they can reduce the frequency of use.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Kerri -

I've sought out vegan capsules here and they are all seaweed based which is not ideal.

What I recommend is:

• Squeeze the contents out of the gel cap onto a spoon and then discard that gel cap.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Melissa -

This is not pure choline but what it is actually is what choline is used to make in high amounts.

So a lot of choline goes towards making phosphatidylcholine and other phospholipids.

The RDA for choline in women is about 450 mg a day.

This contains 800 mg of phospholipids which are derived from choline.

I'd estimate this to be about 3 x the daily RDA for choline given that a lot of choline is needed to synthesize PC.

That is a rough estimate.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi CW -

Yes you may take more than one if needed. I do.

More hair loss? I'm not sure of that connection. I suspect your detoxification system is working differently.

I wish I had more of an answer.

Perhaps you should switch to Gallbladder Nutrients and take 2 capsules before dinner. Then stop using the Optimal PC and see if your hair loss stops.

I'll look into the relationship between PC and hair loss - to see if there is one.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Annie -

Good thinking. Yes!

I highly recommend using Optimal PC alongside Optimal Prenatal.

Here's what I recommend:

• Optimal Prenatal: take 2-3 capsules with breakfast, 2-3 capsules with lunch IF Needing a boost (some days you will and some you won't) and 2 capsules around 2-3 pm IF needing a boost at this time (some days you will and others not)
• Optimal PC: take 1 capsule after dinner
• ProBiota HistaminX: take 1 capsule after dinner
• Fish Oil: take 1 capsule after dinner

And - Optimal Man: he should take 2 capsules with breakfast and IF needing more support in the afternoon, take 1-2 more capsules (some days he needs more support and other days he won't)

Then both of you should also take Optimal Electrolyte and hydrate with that every day.

I also recommend the Glutathione Plus Lozenges and take 1/2 to 1 lozenge upon waking in the morning - both of you.

Have a great summer!

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Trisha -

I believe it's because PC and Serotonin have an inverse relationship.

I suspect you may be low in serotonin and the PC is making it worse.

Consider supporting healthy serotonin levels with Serotonin Nutrients.* I find many do well with this any time of day or night. Take with a little bit of food to minimize a niacin flush.

Before bed, you may do well with Histamine Nutrients IF you find yourself staring at the ceiling counting sheep as this supports healthy onset of sleep.*

Stress Nutrients supports a healthy response to stress during times of...stress.* You would take this as needed.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Alyssa -

You can press open the gel cap with your thumb and forefinger. Press the contents onto a bite of food or onto a spoon if you like.

If she can swallow a pill, then that works.

If she wants to chew it, that's fine. I enjoy chewing this supplement actually - gel cap and all. It's fun. Makes a nice pop and is salty and chewy. Perhaps she will enjoy that - make it a game. Pop one in for yourself and show her. Try by yourself first to make sure you'll like it.

It takes a bit of getting used to ;) - at first you're like - pop - and it surprises you - and then it's a bit salty - and you think yuck - but then you think - hmm - it's actually good :)

I'd consider Optimal Focus for her, too - open the capsule and give her 1/2 mixed on a bite of food. We are working on a chewable Optimal Focus now that is way less potent than Optimal Focus capsules.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Denise -

Absolutely.

There is an association between serotonin and Optimal PC.

In those with low serotonin, high choline can contribute to low moods.

Consider adding Serotonin Nutrients in the morning and Optimal PC at night before dinner.

You can also switch that around - or take 1 capsule of Serotonin Nutrients upon waking and one before bed - and Optimal PC anytime of day.

See how you feel on one capsule first.

If you find yourself waking up way too early in the morning, low serotonin may be a reason. Serotonin Nutrients also supports healthy duration of sleep.*

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Dee -

Supporting a healthy liver requires mainly supporting healthy detoxification, methylation, blood sugar levels and not overdoing hormones.

I would consider Optimal PC, yes. Phosphatidylcholine supports the healthy transport of fat from liver. Take 1 capsule after dinner.

I'd also consider 1 capsule of Liver Nutrients after dinner along with Calcium-D-Glucarate.

Before dinner, consider 2 capsules of Gallbladder Nutrients. This supports healthy bile production and bile flow. Healthy bile is needed for healthy fat levels in the liver. This greatly supports the use of Optimal PC.

Then upon waking, consider 1/2 to 1 lozenge of Glutathione Plus or 1/4 to 1/2 lozenge of Brain Nutrients. Best to start low on both of these.

This is quite a thorough recommendation. If you want to pick the top two, I'd say Gallbladder Nutrients and Glutathione Plus lozenge to start. It's hard to narrow down to two though as a healthy liver requires broad support in this situation.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Sarah -

This is a great choice.

I would consider also Liposomal Glutathione Plus.
https://www.seekinghealth.com/collections/glutathione-supplements

Take 1 serving in the morning upon waking up OR you could use the Glutathione Plus Lozenges. Or you could get both and alternate between the two.

I'd also consider Histamine Nutrients and take at night before bed.

I'd actually look at the entire Histamine support bundle:
https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/histamine-bundle

High histamine levels promote inflammation. By supporting healthy histamine levels, you also support a healthy immune response.*

There is a lot of research surrounding antihistamines and MS.
https://www.google.com/search?q=histamine+multiple+sclerosis

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Juli -

This is undergoing stability testing still.

On average, 3 years is the shelf life.

If stored tightly closed, in a dry, room temperature area, you should be good.

The PC is also inside a gelatin capsule which protects the PC from oxidation. This is critical for stability.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Soraya -

The TMAO issue is associated with the gut microbiome.

If you have a healthy gut microbiome, then TMAO is not an issue.

Consider ProBiota HistaminX - 1 capsule after dinner.

I'd also support your PEMT more with Gallbladder Nutrients than Optimal PC.
https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/gallbladder-nutrients

Results will be faster and noticeable.

Take 2 capsules of Gallbladder Nutrients before dinner.

If needing more support, take 2 capsules before lunch and 2 capsules before dinner OR take 4 capsules before dinner.

Liver Nutrients is another supplement I would add and take 1 capsule any time of day. I typically like to take it after dinner or before bed.
https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/liver-nutrients

These two supplements will help support you in all the areas you mentioned.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Liz -

Choline and phosphatidylcholine are both methyl donors.

Phosphatidyl serine - great question. I'm not sure. This helps provide a healthy sense of calm mood.

Choline can make phosphatidylcholine - and it is a difficult process to do it.

Phosphatidylcholine can break down into choline and that's an actually easy process which the body can readily do in a low choline environment (if someone does't eat meat or eggs, they are low choline).

Optimal PC does seem to be well tolerated by those who are sensitive to methyl donors.

People sensitive to methyl donors often times need histamine support. Consider Histamine Nutrients - 1 capsule as needed. It has SAMe in it - but oddly this is also well tolerated in this formula as it is very synergistic with the other ingredients.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Liz -

Yes, it may be taken as needed.

Optimal PC is best taken with food. I enjoy taking it at night but everyone is different.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hello Gabi,

To answer your questions, this is suitable to take during pregnancy, does not contain ethanol and we do not make any specific choline claims for this product. Though Phosphatidylcholine can contain around 13% choline. If you are looking for specific amounts of Choline, the Multivitamin One, and Optimal Prenatal both have Choline included.

In Health,
Kelsi
Regulatory Specialist

Hi Lisa -

Few things:

1. Go gluten-free and cow dairy free.
2. Can use goat milk products.
3. Consider low dose naltrexone. Talk with your doctor about this.

I highly recommend Optimal Prenatal with Collagen.

Prepare a smoothie in the morning with this in it. I like frozen organic blueberries and goat milk from Meydenberg company.

There is a lot of choline already in the Optimal Prenatal with Collagen. That said, you may consider taking another Optimal PC before bed. I agree with you that it's a good idea.

I also recommend:

1. ProBiota HistaminX: 1 capsule after dinner
2. Liver Nutrients: 1 capsule after dinner. Then stop once pregnant
3. Digestive Enzymes: Take 1 with each meal. It's good to take during pregnancy as well with meals.
4. Optimal PC: continue this during pregnancy and breastfeeding
5. Optimal Prenatal with Collagen: continue this during pregnancy and breastfeeding
6. Optimal Fish Oil: we're out currently so please look for another quality source. Be sure it's in a gel cap. Do not buy liquid fish oil as it's rancid.
7. Glutathione Plus Lozenge: Take 1/2 upon waking in the morning. You can continue this amount during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Check your vitamin D levels. They need to be around 60-80.

Healthy sperm is a must for healthy conception as well.

Optimal Man supports healthy sperm numbers and healthy sperm morphology.

If a man's sperm is unhealthy, it may actually contribute to recurrent miscarriage due to chromosomal abnormalities.

Please also read our free guide on recurrent miscarriage here:
https://www.seekinghealth.com/pages/your-guide-to-recurrent-miscarriage

Visualize a healthy, successful baby :)

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hello Lauren,

The Optimal PC contains a Phospholipid Complex sourced from sunflower, and does not contain dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat or soy. The reason this product is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians is because the gelatin used in the soft gel is sourced from bovine(cow).

In Health,

Kelsi
Regulatory Specialist

Hi Momma -

I would yes.

There is quite a bit of choline in Optimal Prenatal but adding in Optimal PC is smart.

I'd also continue using Optimal PC while breastfeeding to support healthy brain development in your baby.

I hope your pregnancy is going well! :)

In health,
Dr. Lynch