Choline
What is Choline?
Numerous foods, including eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and some vegetables, contain choline, an essential nutrient. Additionally, it is offered as a dietary supplement. The body needs choline for a variety of processes, including muscle movement, liver function, and brain growth and function.
History of Choline
Hugo Erdmann, a German chemist, discovered choline as a component of bile in 1848. It was demonstrated that it was a necessary nutrient for rats in 1898. The name choline comes from the Greek word chole, which means bile.
Health Benefits of Choline
Choline supports liver function, muscle movement, and brain development and function, among other vital health benefits. Additionally, pregnant women and their unborn children need choline.
Brain Development and Function
The growth and operation of the brain depend on choline. It supports nerve signaling, aids in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and aids in maintaining the structure of cell membranes. The functions of acetylcholine include memory, focus, and muscle control. Additionally, choline aids in preventing dementia and cognitive decline.
Liver Function
The liver needs choline to function properly. It contributes to the detoxification process and aids in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol. Fatty liver disease can result from choline deficiency.
Muscle Movement
Muscle movement requires choline. It supports nerve signaling, aids in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and aids in maintaining the structure of cell membranes. Muscle contractions involve acetylcholine. Muscle weakness can result from a choline deficiency.
Pregnancy and Infancy
Babies born to pregnant women and their unborn children need choline. It promotes brain development, lowers the risk of birth defects, and facilitates the production of breast milk. Birth defects, including defects of the neural tube, can result from choline deficiency during pregnancy. Choline supports brain development and aids in the absorption of fat, making it crucial for infants.
Dietary Sources of Choline
Numerous foods, including eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and some vegetables, contain choline. Additionally, it is offered as a dietary supplement. The body needs choline for a variety of processes, including muscle movement, liver function, and brain growth and function.
Eggs
A good source of choline is eggs. About 147 mg of choline can be found in one large egg.
Meat, Poultry, and Fish
Fish, meat, and poultry are excellent sources of choline.About 425 mg of choline can be found in three ounces of cooked beef liver.About 120 mg of choline can be found in three ounces of cooked chicken breast.Choline content in cooked Tilapia fish is about 85 mg per three ounces.
Vegetables
Choline can be found in some vegetables. The amount of choline in one cup of boiled Brussels sprouts is around 115 mg.
Why do people take choline?
Choline is taken orally for memory improvement, Alzheimer's and dementia, ADHD, heart disease, and stroke prevention, myelin formation (a substance that forms a sheath around nerve cells), colon or rectal cancer prevention, and inflammation reduction.Liver disease is treated with choline administered intravenously (IV).To treat psoriasis, choline is applied topically.
How does choline work?
The body needs choline for a variety of processes, including muscle movement, liver function, and brain growth and function.
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory, learning, and muscle control, is a precursor to choline. Additionally, choline aids in the movement of fats throughout the body and preserves the integrity of cell membranes.
Are there safety concerns?
When taken orally as directed or when administered intravenously (by IV) under medical supervision, choline is LIKELY SAFE. Adults have taken choline safely in doses up to 3 grams per day for up to 12 weeks.
Applying choline to the skin is POSSIBLY SAFE. Children have taken choline safely for up to 12 weeks at doses up to 400 milligrams per day.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Choline is LIKELY SAFE when used intravenously (by IV) or when taken properly by mouth during pregnancy and while nursing. Choline has been administered to expectant mothers safely in doses as high as 3 grams per day for up to 12 weeks. The safety of applying choline to the skin while pregnant is not fully understood. If you are expecting or nursing, we advise you to speak with your doctor before using this product.
Children: When used properly orally or intravenously (by IV) under medical supervision, choline is LIKELY SAFE. Children have taken choline safely for up to 12 weeks at doses up to 400 milligrams per day. It is unknown how safe it is to apply choline to the skin.