Choline

Recent evidence suggests that choline is an essential nutrient in humans. Small quantities are synthesized in the liver with the help of vitamin B12, folic acid and the amino acid, methionine; but the amounts made may not be sufficient to meet daily needs.

Fat metabolism - Choline is involved in fat metabolism and in the transport of fats from the liver.

Cell membranes - Choline is a component of cell membranes and plays a role in the transmission of signals inside cells. Myelin, the insulating sheath around the nerves, and platelet activating factor contain choline.

Neurotransmitters - Choline accelerates the synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in many nerve and brain functions. Dietary intake of choline seems to affect body levels of acetylcholine.

Absorption - Choline may be absorbed better in the form of lecithin.

Choline deficiency symptoms in humans include fatty liver and liver damage. These symptoms have been demonstrated only recently in humans fed choline- deficient diets.1 This means that choline fulfills one of the criteria for being an essential nutrient. Patients on long-term parenteral nutrition who are not given choline develop fatty infiltration of the liver and other signs of dysfunction. This condition can be improved, and possibly prevented, with choline supplementation.

Choline deficiency in animals also leads to nerve degeneration, senile dementia, high blood cholesterol, and liver cancer - possibly by affecting cell signaling or by generating free radicals and DNA alterations.

Nervous system disorders - Uptake of circulating choline into the brain decreases with age. Choline is important for nerve structure and function; and this change may contribute to the type of dementia in which cholinergic nerves are lost.

Good sources of choline in the form of lecithin include eggs, organ meats, lean meat, brewer's yeast, legumes such as soybeans, grains, and nuts. It is found in green leafy vegetables as free choline.

Adequate intake levels for choline have recently been set in the US. The average daily diet supplies around 1000 mg.

Men 550 mg

Women 425 mg

Pregnancy 450 mg

Lactation 550 mg

The tolerable upper intake limit has been set at 3 g per day.

Supplements:

Research shows that if you don't have enough choline during pregnancy, the brain doesn't develop normally and babies are born either with defective memory or lower memory capabilities that lasts throughout their lives. Giving choline in utero has been shown to lead to better than average memory for life. Choline is actively transported from mother to fetus across the placenta and from mother to infant across the mammary gland. Thus, during pregnancy and lactation, dietary requirements for choline are increased.

Alcoholics, diabetics and anyone who has deficiency symptoms may benefit from supplements either of lecithin or of choline. Supplemental choline is often in the form of lecithin. The choline content of supplements varies widely.

Toxic effects at high doses may include reduced appetite, nausea, gastrointestinal problems and a 'fishy' body odor.

Choline supplements have been used to treat the symptoms of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's chorea, in which acetylcholine levels are low due to the reduced activity of the enzyme which synthesizes it. Some studies have detected improvements in mental performance after choline treatment.2 However, results of studies have been mixed. Choline and lecithin may only be useful in the initial stages of the disease. In a 1994 study, lecithin was given to patients with Alzheimer's disease in daily doses of 1000 mg for one month. Results showed slightly improved mental performance, and enhanced cerebrovascular blood flow.3

Choline helps to lower cholesterol levels, as a choline-containing enzyme helps to remove cholesterol from tissues. In a 1995 study, researchers gave lecithin supplements to 32 patients with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The dosage used was 3.5 g three times daily before meals. After 30 days of treatment, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels decreased significantly, and beneficial HDL cholesterol levels rose.4 Choline has also been used to lower homocysteine concentrations, another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (See page 560 for more information.)

Choline supplements (in the form of lecithin) have been shown to bring some benefits in the treatment of bipolar disorder (manic depression).5 Choline and lecithin are also used to treat liver damage and hepatitis. Supplements have also been used to treat asthma.6

Severe folic acid deficiency causes secondary liver choline deficiency, and vice versa, in rats. Choline supplements reduce urinary excretion of carnitine.

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Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only.   This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice.  All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.