Choline is one of the B Complex Vitamins and supports the health of the liver in its processing and excretion of chemical waste products within the body. Its key benefits have been found to prevent fatty build up in the liver. Choline plays a major role in transport of fats and fat metabolism and cholesterol within the body, which is important for the healthy support of the endocrine, cardiovascular and hepatic systems. Choline is important in any health concerns involving the liver, such as cirrhosis or alcoholism.
Choline is also good for the brain. It has been established that choline is necessary for optimal cognitive function. It is a basic nutrient needed for the production of acetylcholine, the signaling molecule or neutransmitter that is essential for many brain and nerve functions.
The body also needs choline to manufacture phosphatidycholine, a key component of the fatty membrane of human cells including brain cells, which determine their ability to allow nutrients and waste products to pass in and out of cells.
Choline has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation and homocysteine levels in the blood, both of which are linked to a number of disorders such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diseases related to cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s.
The main benefits of Choline for the body are summarized below
| | CHOLINE BENEFITS & FUNCTIONS |
| 1. | Constituent of lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), a key building block of cell membranes, important for cell formation and tissue growth and repair |
| 2. | Needed for proper functioning of cell membranes, to allow passage of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells |
| 3. | Needed for production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical that is vital for many brain and nerve functions; is being experimented with for improving neuromuscular function in Alzheimer's disease |
| 4. | Essential for optimal brain functioning, learning and memory |
| 5. | Needed for nerves to interact with muscles |
| 6. | May help nervous system disorders like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease |
| 7.. | Regulates the gallbladder and helps prevent gallstones |
| 8. | Regulates liver function, helps eliminate toxins, and is beneficial for liver damage related to hepatitis and cirrhosis |
| 9. | For fat and cholesterol transport and metabolism as an energy source |
| 10. | Natural lipotropic agent that minimizes excess fat in the liver and there by helps to loss of weight of the body |
| 11. | Converts homocysteine in the blood to other substances, which lowers its level and helps prevent cardiovascular problems |
| 12. | Preliminary research shows that, in combination with betaine, may help to reduce chronic inflammation linked to disorders such as osteoporosis, heart disease, brain decline, Alzheimer's disease, and type II diabetes |
Choline Overdose Symptoms, Toxicity Level & Side Effects
Possible Choline side effects from overdosing include abdominal discomfort, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, feeling of faintness or dizziness, low blood pressure, increased salivation, depression, sweating and unusual body odour.
