Plaquex and the Health Benefits of Intravenous Phosphatidylcholine

Recently here at PROVOKE Health, we began offering Plaquex to some of our patients as part of their personalized plan of care. Plaquex is a special formulation of phosphatidylcholine delivered intravenously. Phosphatidylcholine is an essential phospholipid found in cell membranes that is gaining traction in medical and wellness circles for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Administered intravenously, phosphatidylcholine has been used and studied widely for its role in cellular repair, detoxification, and cardiovascular health.

But let’s apply the brakes for a second. Before we go any further, you need to know that while some healthcare providers claim on their websites and in their marketing materials that Plaquex is FDA approved, it is not.

However, its primary ingredient is phosphatidylcholine, which is recognized as safe by the FDA for use in a number of areas, including in food and dietary supplements. That’s because phosphatidylcholine is a naturally occurring phospholipid found in many foods and is not subject to the same stringent approval process as a drug when used in this context.

For that reason, phosphatidylcholine has been used in nearly a quarter of all other countries around the world, primarily to reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

In our clinical practice here at PROVOKE Health, we have found it useful in our treatment of the following conditions:

• Mold exposure: Phosphatidylcholine enhances the body’s detox mechanisms while facilitating cellular repair, making it a valuable supplement for helping patients recover from exposure to toxic mold — a common condition here in South Central Florida. More generally, phosphatidylcholine is frequently used in integrative medicine for patients undergoing heavy metal detoxification or recovering from chronic illnesses.
• Cardiovascular disease: One of the primary uses of Plaquex is to clear plaque from the arteries. By emulsifying and removing fatty deposits from blood vessel walls, it may improve circulation and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, angina pectoris (heart pain due to poor circulation), peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and carotid obstruction. It may also help to lower bad cholesterol, thereby reducing the buildup of plaque over time.
• Liver and kidney disease: Phosphatidylcholine is a key component of bile, which aids in fat digestion. Phosphatidylcholine IV therapy has been explored for conditions including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver or kidney damage caused by alcohol, medications, or toxins.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Phosphatidylcholine is important for the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier (the protective lining of the gut). Low levels of phosphatidylcholine have been linked to the development of IBD, especially ulcerative colitis.
• Leaky gut syndrome: Phosphatidylcholine is essential for maintaining the intestinal lining. Studies suggest it may help repair the gut barrier and reduce inflammation in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders. It may also be helpful in treating allergies, food sensitivities, and autoimmune disorders that arise from leaky gut.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Phosphatidylcholine may help support the integrity of brain cells. Given the fact that brain composition is about 60 percent lipids, it’s no surprise that a lipid like phosphatidylcholine would benefit brain health and function. It’s also a good source of choline, which is the main component used for the production of the memory enhancing neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
• Lung disease: Phosphatidylcholine is a major component of lung surfactant which, among other functions, facilitates the efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the bloodstream and makes it easier to breathe. Low levels of phosphatidylcholine in the lungs have been associated with lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Skin conditions such as psoriasis and neurodermitis: A growing body of evidence suggests that phosphatidylcholine is helpful in treating certain inflammatory skin conditions.
• Macular degeneration: Based on new findings, phosphatidylcholine can have a positive influence on macular degeneration.

So what exactly is phosphatidylcholine? That’s what we’ll be covering throughout the rest of this post.

What Is Phosphatidylcholine?

Phosphatidylcholine is phospholipid — a member of a class of fats with a water-loving “head” containing phosphate and a water-hating “tail” of fatty acids joined together. It is the most abundant phospholipid in the human body and a key component of the body’s cell membranes. As we age and battle illness, our cell membranes become damaged or deteriorate and accumulate toxins. These assaults on cell membranes can begin to negatively impact mitochondrial function, which is responsible for energy production at the cellular level. At the same time, our body’s supply of phosphatidylcholine, which is used to repair cell membranes, gradually diminishes.

Supplementing with phosphatidylcholine, especially through intravenous drip, restores healthy levels of this vital phospholipid to deliver the following benefits:

• Restores cell membrane integrity and improves its ability to transport nutrients into the cells and export toxins from cells.
• Increases levels of choline, which is the main component used for the production of the memory enhancing neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.
• Facilitates fat metabolism. Phosphatidylcholine is a very effective fat emulsifier, making it useful for improving one’s cholesterol profile.
• Supports liver detoxification (we often alternate intravenous phosphatidylcholine infusions with chelation therapies to optimize detoxification).

While it’s found in many foods (in the form of lecithin), such as soy and eggs, medically-prescribed doses are often required for the types of benefits described in this post. This is where IV therapy plays a leading role.

The Doctor Says: Plaquex intravenous infusions work to help the body remove plaque from blood vessels and fat from a fatty liver. It also seeks to lower cholesterol, repair damage to cell membranes, and improve organ function.

Benefits of Plaquex IV Therapy

Beyond treating specific health conditions, Plaquex offers the following benefits:

• Enhanced cellular function: Repairs and rejuvenates cell membranes.
• Improved detoxification: Supports liver health and elimination of toxins.
• Cardiovascular protection: Reduces arterial plaque and improves circulation.
• Cognitive support: Boosts neurotransmitter production for better brain function.
• Gut health restoration: Repairs intestinal lining and reduces inflammation.

Intravenous delivery ensures that 100 percent of the biologically active phosphatidylcholine is distributed throughout the body by means of the bloodstream. In contrast, with oral supplementation (capsules or liquid preparations) only about 5 to 10 percent is distributed throughout the body. The other 90 percent is almost fully incorporated into the membranes of liver cells, providing very little benefit to the cardiovascular system, the brain, the gut, or any other part of the body.

How Is Plaquex Administered?

Like all IVs here at PROVOKE Health, Plaquex is delivered directly into the bloodstream. This is recommended because IV drips have been proven to offer higher bioavailability when compared to oral supplements. Medication that’s delivered by IV bypasses the digestive system and delivers the compound directly to cells. (We may prescribe oral supplements to be taken in between IV sessions to maintain higher levels of phosphatidylcholine.)

A typical in-clinic IV therapy session lasts 30 to 90 minutes. The IV is inserted into a vein, and the solution is slowly infused into the patient. We monitor the patient during the procedure for any adverse reactions, which are very rare. Most patients tolerate the therapy well, although mild side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, lightheadedness, or vein irritation can occur. Some patients experience an increase in LDL and liver enzymes at the beginning of treatment, but levels usually normalize with continued treatment.

Is Plaquex IV Therapy Right for You?

While phosphatidylcholine IV therapy offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare provider like the ones here at PROVOKE Health to determine whether it addresses your health conditions and concerns and aligns with your health-related objectives. Comprehensive testing and a personalized plan of care can optimize outcomes and ensure safety.

Phosphatidylcholine IV therapy — especially when delivered through Plaquex — is a considered a cutting-edge approach in functional medicine and integrative healthcare. Unlike most conventional pharmaceutical medications that merely suppress symptoms, phosphatidylcholine is a naturally occurring chemical that helps the body heal and protects it from damage. Its ability to enhance detoxification, cellular health, and cardiovascular function makes it a powerful tool in managing chronic conditions and enhancing overall well-being.

If you’re interested in a plan of care that seeks to optimize your health, phosphatidylcholine may be worth considering. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation and evaluation. Our focus is on identifying and addressing the root cause(s) of illness, restoring health, and helping our patients reclaim their lives. We don’t just treat the symptoms.

– – – – – – – – – – – –

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post about Plaquex and phosphatidylcholine is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current medical thinking or practices. No information contained in this post should be construed as medical advice from the medical staff at PROVOKE Health, nor is this post intended to be a substitute for medical counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this post without seeking the appropriate medical advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a licensed medical professional in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.