The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a synthetic
or naturally occurring charged phospholipid, which is formulated into a
dosage form for administration to a subject or which is administered as a
food additive. Negatively charged phospholipid composition increase the
net negative charge on intravascular lipoproteins, enhance the clearance
of cholesterol and regulate the function of lipolytic enzymes, retard
prothrombin formation and aid in the clearance of virus and bacterial
particles. Negatively charged lipid compositions can therefore be
administered to humans and animals for the treatment of hyperlipidemia
and blood coagulation disorders and to reduce the levels of virus,
bacteria, and endotoxins in the blood stream. Positively charged lipid
compositions can be administered to delay lipoprotein clearance from the
plasma compartment and give longer duration of activity for drugs which
are associated with lipoproteins.