Choline is a water soluble nutrient that is important for liver function, normal brain development and nerve function, muscle movement, supporting energy levels and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Choline helps in the process of methylation, which is used to create DNA, for nerve signaling, and for detoxification. It is very important for the functioning of a key neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which similarly helps nerves to communicate and muscles to move and also acts as an anti-aging neurotransmitter.
Along with folate and B12 deficiency, inadequate consumption of choline can lead to high homocysteine and all the risks associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric illness (Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia) and osteoporosis.*
Choline:
- Supports Central Nervous System
- Maintains Healthy Liver Function
- Helps Protect Memory and Loss of Brain Function
- Helps with Exercise Performance and Muscle Function
- Supports a Healthy Pregnancy*
- Important during the perinatal period, especially for spinal cord & brain development
- Helps to prevent 50% or more of neural tube defects in infants
- Important for Children’s Growth and Development
Symptoms Linked to Choline Deficiency:
- Mood changes or disorders
- Low energy levels or fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Cognitive decline
- Memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease
- Learning disabilities
- Nerve damage
- Fatty liver
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Hemorrhagic kidney necrosis
Health Problems Associated to Choline Deficiency:
- ADHD – Precursor to neurotransmitter acetylcholine which regulates memory, focus, & muscle control (hyperactivity).
- Anxiety – Precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which affects focus & mood. Low levels of choline linked to anxiety.
- Asthma – Animal and human studies show that taking choline strongly suppresses oxidative stress in lung tissue caused by asthma.
- Dyslipidemia – Regulates HDL metabolism. Part of the enzyme lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase that has a major impact on lipoprotein metabolism.
- Estrogen – Estrogen stimulates the breakdown of phosphatidylcholine (cell membrane) so those with low estrogen (postmenopausal women) require more choline. Detoxifies excess estrogen via methylation pathway.
- Fibromyalgia – Altered levels of both inositol and choline are seen in fibromyalgia. Both are involved in pain perception.
- Gastrointestinal Health – Maintains the barrier function of gastric epithelium (helps prevent stomach ulcers) via its role in building cell membranes and acting as a surfactant in the GI tract.
- Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism negatively affects choline function in the brain which can affect mood and cognition.
- Methylation – A major source of methyl groups (methyl donor). Deficiency linked to DNA damage.
- Pain – Activates specific receptors in brain and spine that lower acute pain.
How to Acquire Choline:
- Salmon
- Grass-Fed Beef
- Turkey
- Chicken Breast
- Beef Liver
- Eggs
- Cauliflower
- Goat Milk
- Brussels Sprouts
