Choline

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Other names for choline

:Choline Bitartrate
Phosphatidylcholine
Alpha-GPC (Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine)
CDP-Choline (Citicoline)
choline bitartrate
choline dihydrogen citrate

Synopsis of choline

Choline is a water-soluble essential nutrient that plays a central role in numerous physiological functions, particularly in brain and liver health. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter involved in memory, mood, muscle control, and cognitive processing. Choline is also required for phospholipid synthesis (especially phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin), which are critical components of all cell membranes. Furthermore, it is involved in methylation processes, contributing to DNA synthesis, gene expression regulation, and detoxification through its role in generating S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).

While the human body can synthesize small amounts of choline in the liver, it is not sufficient to meet daily needs, making dietary intake essential. Rich food sources include egg yolks, liver, beef, soybeans, and certain legumes and cruciferous vegetables. In supplement form, choline is available as choline bitartrate, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), alpha-GPC, and CDP-choline (citicoline), with each form having slightly different bioavailability and effects, especially for neurological and cognitive health.

Choline’s functions are especially important during pregnancy and early childhood, where it supports fetal brain development and prevents neural tube defects. In adults, adequate choline intake helps prevent fatty liver disease, supports neurotransmitter function, and may improve cognitive performance, particularly in aging populations. Deficiency symptoms include memory issues, muscle damage, mood changes, and liver dysfunction. It is also being studied for its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive decline conditions.

Historical Use
Although choline itself was not isolated until the mid-19th century, the benefits of choline-rich foods like egg yolks and liver were intuitively recognized in traditional diets for centuries. Ancient medical systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine prized organ meats and egg yolk for nourishing the brain, liver, and reproductive systems—organs where choline plays a critical biochemical role.

The compound choline was first identified in 1862 by German chemist Adolph Strecker, who isolated it from pig bile. However, its essential role in human health wasn't officially recognized until the late 20th century. In 1998, the U.S. Institute of Medicine declared choline an essential nutrient, following studies showing that deficiency could lead to liver damage and cognitive dysfunction.

The use of lecithin, a natural phospholipid source rich in choline, became popular in the 20th century for cardiovascular health and cognitive enhancement. Lecithin supplements derived from soy or sunflower were often used in functional foods and natural medicine to support liver detoxification and memory.

In modern integrative and functional medicine, choline is widely used to support cognitive health, liver function, prenatal nutrition, and methylation balance. It is especially favored in formulations for brain fog, memory support, and age-related cognitive decline, often in combination with B vitamins or nootropic compounds.

Choline is used for these health conditions

Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Autism (Scientific)
Birth Defects (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)

choline is used to support these body systems

Acetylcholine (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)
Specific Neurotransmitters (Scientific)