An Introduction to Choline

Choline works very much like the B-Vitamins, in that it works to improve the body’s overall metabolism. It is often classified as a B-vitamin, although it is not officially recognized as such. How this herb works together with other nutrients is not fully understood at this time, however was has been named an “essential nutrient” by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in the USA in 1998. This herb was discovered in 1864 by Andreas Strecker.

Choline is naturally produced in the body, although a dietary supplement of choline is also beneficial. The amount of choline required by adults daily is between 425 and 550 milligrams.
When choline is used in the body, it may create a fishy body odor when taken in large quantities. It forms trimethylamine, which is a compound that has a fishy odor when it is released by the body. Large quantities may also cause low blood pressure and diarrhea. The upper limit of choline is 3500 milligrams per day, although most adults are recommended to take between 425 and 550 milligrams per day and children should take lower quantities.

Choline is often taken as a memory enhancer, although its effectiveness for this use is still under debate. Some people take it as a preventative means to fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. Choline is required in young children due to their rapid growth spurts, and has been used as a supplement in infant’s formula that is not made with cow’s milk. It has also been added to supplements used to reduce body fat, although its effectiveness for this use has not been substantiated. Choline has also been effective in protecting the liver from collecting excess fat and other types of damage. It may also help to prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels.

Some of the foods that supply choline are egg yolks, cauliflower, navy beans, tofu, almonds, peanut butter, soy, ground beef, chicken, veal, and turkey livers. The most common dietary supplement containing choline is lecithin, which may be used as a food additive to preserve flavor and improve appearance and taste. Phosphatidylcholine is the usual name for this herb when it is available in either a pill or a powder form, although it may have gastrointestinal side effects. It also comes in a liquid form that is called choline chloride.

In clinical studies, scientists found that when the mothers of newborn rats had a lack of choline in their diet, their offspring had less brain development than those rats that had sufficient amounts of choline.

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