Nutritional Guide

Why you need it?

Choline is required for the proper metabolism of fats; it facilitates the movement of fats in and out of cells. Like Vitamin B12, 5-adenosylmethionine, and Folic Acid, choline acts in the human body as a methyl donor. As such choline is essential for proper liver function due to its key role in the lipotropic effect, i.e., the export of fat from the liver. In the absence of adequate choline, fats become trapped in the liver, where they block metabolism. Stagnation of fat and bile eventually leads to the development of more serious liver disorders such as cirrhosis.

Choline is needed for cell membrane integrity because of the critical role it plays in the manufacture of primary components of cell membranes, such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomylein.

Phosphatidylcholine increases the solubility of cholesterol and thereby decreases cholesterol's ability to induce atherosclerosis. Phosphatidylcholine also aids in lowering cholesterol levels, removing cholesterol from tissue deposits and inhibitingplatelet aggregation. The high content of linoleic acid in phosphatidylcholine may be responsible for much of the benefit derived from supplementation.

Deficiency Symptoms:

True choline deficiency appears to be rare or non-existent and has only been induced in a research setting. Deficiencies typically present as muscle weakness, tingling in the fingers and toes, weight loss or fatigue.

Good Food Sources:

As free choline in vegetables (especially cauliflower and lettuce), whole grains, liver, and soy. As lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) in grains, legumes, meat and egg yolks.

Precautions

GRAS- Generally recognized as safe. No adverse reactions, side effects or overdose symptoms expected when taken within the recommended amounts.

No adverse effects have been reported as a result of taking Choline supplements during pregnancy or lactation.

Choline and phosphatidylcholine are generally well tolerated. At doses over 20g qd, pure choline, but not phosphatidylcholine, will produce a "fishy" odour.

High doses of lecithin, over 10 grams per day, may produce reduced appetite, nausea, abdominal bloating, gastrointestinal pain and/ or diarrhoea in some people. No toxicity beyond the side effects mentioned above were found in any of the sources examined.

Phosphatidylcholine is not indicated in patients with depression (unipolar or clinical depression) unless under the supervision of a physician because high-dosage phosphatidylcholine supplementation can worsen depression in some cases.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. Neither the information provided nor products supplied or offered should be construed to be in any way substitutes for medical attention or prescribed medication. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or herbal remedies if you are suffering from an undiagnosed illness or if you are on prescribed medication.

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