ACETYL CHOLINE BENEFITS, DEFICIENCY, & COLINE SIDE EFFECTS

Choline benefits the body by working closely with inositol and the B complex vitamins. Choline is actually a fatty acid which is a water-soluble vitamin, not able to be stored by the body, needing to be regularly replenished through the diet to avoid depletion and deficiency symptoms.

Effects of Choline

Choline is associated with mobiliazation of fats and prevents fat accumulation in the liver through cholesterol metabolism, facilitating the movement of fats into cells.

It is a neurotransmitter precursor which is metabolized to acetyl choline which is essential for the proper transmission of nerve impulses from the brain through the central nervous system.

Choline also assists the formation of myelin, the fatty sheath protecting nerve fibers. It helps to regulate the kidneys and gallbladder, helps with inositol in the production of lecithin, and is vital for maintaining properly functioning membranes.

Acetyl Choline Benefits

Thanks to its role in the utilization of fats, choline is essential for controlling weight and cholesterol levels.

Being a precursor to the neurotransmitter, acetyl choline, it is known to play an important part in memory and learning processes. Choline benefits cognitive performance, memory and learning, concentration and alertness, and can help nervous system disorders like Parkinson's disease.

As a precursor of lecithin, choline benefits the body helping it to recover rapidly from athletic exertion. It can help prevent gallstones and may help fight infections.

Choline Deficiency

Factors that may increase choline deficiency include alcohol consumption, refined sugar, and heavy exercise.

Deficiency of choline is rare but may lead to liver and kidney problems, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Other symptoms may include stunted growth, poor memory and concentration, poor digestion of fats and fatty deposits in the liver.

Choline Side Effects

There's no official recommended dietary allowance for choline but supplements often provide a daily dose of 500mg.

Taking much more than the higher recommended limit of 3.5g per day may lead to such choline side effects as depression, nausea, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and excess sweating and saliva production.

Good Choline Foods

Here are examples of where to find animal food sources of choline and good plant foods rich in choline: