Choline

Choline is a B vitamin that is known to be essential in animals and humans. Choline is an important biochemical compound, but not, strictly speaking, a vitamin.

The functions of chlorine

Choline is:

a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and is essential for optimal nervous system and memory function,
helpful in controlling harmful levels of homocysteine,
protects and nourishes other chemicals that support memory,
necessary for myelin formation, along with vitamin B12,
important in gall bladder regulation, liver function, and lecithin formation, and
helpful in aiding hormone production and in fat and cholesterol metabolism.

The symptoms and signs of choline deficiency

Indicationss of choline deficiencies are:

impaired brain function and memory,
cardiac symptoms,
gastric ulcers,
high blood pressure,
inability to digest fats,
kidney and liver impairment, and
stunted growth.

Food sources of choline

Choline is a major ingredient in lecithin and lecithin makes up about 30% of the dry weight of the brain. Lecithin provides other important nutrients including phospholipids, fats, and glycolipids. Choline is also found in: egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, liver, soybeans, yeast, and wheat germ. The best supplemental source is phosphatidyl choline.

Therapeutic uses

Choline is used in the following conditions:

high cholesterol,
liver problems,
depression and anxiety,
memory problems (particularly in the elderly), and
Alzheimer's disease.

How much do you need?

500 - 1,000 mg per day for those aged 65 and under. Those over 65 may need from 1 - 5 grams per day.

Special notes

Choline should always be taken with other B group vitamins.

Take choline with calcium, it will be required to balance phosphorous and calcium in the body, since chlorine increases the phosphorous in the body.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.