Evidence supporting the use of: Choline
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Choline is an essential nutrient involved in various physiological processes, including neurotransmitter synthesis, specifically acetylcholine, which plays a role in mood regulation and cognitive function. The rationale for using choline in the context of depression arises from its role in methylation and neurotransmitter pathways, both of which have been implicated in mood disorders. Some studies have found that individuals with depression may have altered choline metabolism or lower levels of choline-containing compounds in the brain, as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Additionally, choline serves as a methyl group donor, which is important for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound with some evidence for antidepressant effects.

Despite these mechanistic links, direct evidence supporting the efficacy of choline supplementation for treating depression is limited. Clinical trials specifically evaluating choline as a treatment for depression are sparse and have yielded inconsistent results. Some small studies suggest a potential benefit, particularly in individuals with low baseline choline levels or certain genetic predispositions affecting choline metabolism, but these findings have not been robustly replicated. Most comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses conclude that, while alterations in choline metabolism may be associated with depression, there is insufficient evidence to recommend choline supplementation as a stand-alone treatment. As such, the scientific evidence supporting the use of choline for depression is modest at best, earning a rating of 2 out of 5.

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Other ingredients used for Depression

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
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caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
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velvet bean
vitamin B
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vitamin C
vitamin D
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zinc
suma
gastrodia
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thyroid substance
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Clary sage
Catalpol
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Chinese Raisintree
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Cymbopogon Martini
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Creatine
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cola nut
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Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
Devil's Club
Dopamine
Egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
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Fish
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Frankincense
Guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
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Glycine
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jasmine
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
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