Choline

Generality

Choline, or Vitamin J, is an "amine, as well as a coenzyme essential for the constitution of cell membranes and cholinic neurotransmitters (acetylcholine).

It is an organic compound only partially synthesized by the organism (thanks to the presence of cobalamin and folic acid); therefore, its contribution should be guaranteed above all through nutrition.

The presence of Choline can be found in foods such as egg yolk, soybeans, wheat germ, offal and brewer's yeast, while alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and nerve substances would seem to compromise their integrity.

Its importance in the clinical setting would be attributed to the precursor role of chemical mediators and structural cellular elements.
The antioxidant, neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities would therefore be at the center of the clinical usefulness of Choline.

Food sources

Choline is a fairly widespread molecule associated with the presence of inositol (carbocyclic polyol that plays a fundamental role in the secondary messengers of cells); it is found in large quantities in breast milk, egg yolk, soybeans, wheat germ, veal and turkey liver, and brewer's yeast.

Choline is NOT contained in cow's milk and its integrity is seriously compromised by some nerves and drugs: alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, birth control pills, etc. It is possible to introduce choline either INDIRECTLY through food lecithin or DIRECTLY through the integration of phosphatidyl-choline (pills, powder and chloride).
There is no in-depth research on the potential for intestinal absorption, and on any direct and indirect feedback on the enteric mucosa deriving from the deficiency or excess of choline in the organism.

Indications

Why is Choline used? What is it for?

Choline is an essential molecule for the human organism as it is directly involved in the synthesis of biologically valuable mediators.
More precisely, the Colina:

• Safeguards the proper integrity and fluidity of cell membranes, acting as a precursor of a very important membrane phospholipid, Phosphatidylcholine;
• It supports normal cell viability by controlling the synthesis of Sphingomyelin; in fact, it is known that a deficit of this factor results in an accentuated apoptotic process;
• It contributes, together with Betaine, to the maintenance of normal cardiovascular function, antagonizing the deleterious effects of Homocysteine;
• Preserves normal nervous function by intervening in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.
  In different pathologies such as Alzheimer's or senile dementia, a decrease in the concentrations of this neurotransmitter has been observed.

By virtue of the aforementioned biological functions, Choline could play a valuable role in liver diseases, cognitive and perceptual disorders, dyskinesias, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Properties and Effectiveness

What benefits has choline shown during the studies?

In addition to the various studies that would have adequately clarified the role of choline as a hepatoprotector, especially against some hepatotoxic drugs, in recent years much of the literature has focused on the "prenatal" role of choline.
According to experimental studies, in fact, the adequate intake of Choline in the pregnant woman would determine positive effects on the cognitive, mnemonic and perceptive abilities of the unborn.

Soy Lecithin Granules: Particularly Rich Source of Choline

These studies, still experimental, should however be supported by human clinical trials, able to adequately clarify the biological effects of an "adequate supplementation.
On the other hand, the cardioprotective, vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory functions of Choline would be decidedly more characterized.
In fact, adequate intake of Choline would seem to determine a significant reduction in the concentrations of inflammatory markers - such as Reactive Protein C, ESR and inflammatory cytokines - involved in the genesis of the inflammatory process.
At the same time, the intake of Choline, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12 and Betaine would seem to result in a precious vasoprotective activity against atherogenic agents such as homocysteine.

Dosage and method of use

How to use choline

Considering the guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences US - who estimate the adequate amount of Choline to be taken daily in men and women at 550 mg / day and 425 mg / day respectively - in most cases the integration is carried out with doses between 300 and 1,200 mg daily.
Choline is present in supplements in the form of Choline Chloride, Choline Bitartrate or Phosphatidylcholine.

Side effects

The use of Choline, according to the appropriate indications, was mostly associated with gasto-enteric reactions of little relevance, such as nausea, diarrhea and incontinence.
At doses higher than 3.5 g daily, choline could increase the incidence of hypotension, neurological disorders and alterations in liver and kidney function, as well as causing the appearance of an unpleasant fishy odor, linked to the excretion of catabolites.

Curiosity

Among the different metabolic pathways that characterize choline there is also the conversion into trimethylamine N (CH3) 3, an "intermediate tertiary amine of animal and especially fish decomposition.

In this regard, the supplementary or pharmacological intake of choline can determine the characteristic smell of fish in the sweat of those who take it.

Contraindications

When should Choline not be used?

The use of Choline is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active ingredient.

Pharmacological interactions

What drugs or foods can modify the effect of choline?

The simultaneous intake of Methotrexate could decrease the normal catabolism of Choline, while Choline could improve, at least in rats, the liver damage induced by the chronic use of this active principle.
The biological cardio- and vaso-protective action of Choline could instead be enhanced by the simultaneous intake of Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12.

Precautions for use

What do i need to know before taking choline?

The use of choline supplements should be under close medical supervision in patients with trimethylaminuria, a rare genetic metabolic disorder characterized by increased urinary excretion of choline catabolites.
Trimethylamine, a catabolite of Choline, would give both urinary and sweat excretions a characteristic fishy odor.
The same precautions should be taken by patients suffering from hepatic diseases, both chronic and acute and viral.