E322 - Lecithins
Author: Mark Velov
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: E 322 is a substance of natural plant origin, which is characterized by strong surfactant properties. The name of the supplement comes from Greek and means egg yolk. Exactly
Characteristic
E 322 is a substance of natural plant origin, which is characterized by strong surfactant properties. The name of the supplement comes from Greek and means "egg yolk". Egg yolk is the richest source of lecithin. In production, the substance is obtained from industrial waste from soybean oil and other soybean products.
There are three types of lecithin:- raw - in the form of sticky brown oil or a table with a taste of nuts
- purified - is a yellow-brown wax
- fractionated - transparent sticky liquid, loose powder or yellowish and brownish granules
E 322 dissolves well in fats, but is insoluble in acetone and cold water.
Use
The food additive E 322 is used in the production of dairy products, margarines, bakery and chocolate products, glazes. Also in the production of oil paints, solvents, vinyl coatings, cosmetics, in the processing of paper, in the production of fertilizers and pesticides.
Lecithin is found in high-fat products, eggs, liver, peanuts, some fruits and vegetables. There is a large amount of the substance in the human body.
Impact on humans
Lecithin is important for humans, it represents about 50% of the liver and 1/3 of the protective and brain tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. With the help of E 322 the damaged cells are renewed, full work of the brain and the nervous system is ensured. The supplement serves as a means of transporting nutrients, vitamins and drugs to the cells.
E 322 deficiency in the body reduces the effectiveness of some drugs. Lecithin is a powerful antioxidant, prevents the formation of highly toxic compounds in the body. Although it has beneficial properties, its use in large quantities can cause side effects - allergic reactions.