[Effects of Choline] Essential for Brain Function? 3 Reasons Academia Is Paying Attention to Choline

Hello, I am Jinny, a pharmacist.

Have you ever heard of "choline"? If you're someone who takes supplements like 'acetylcholine,' which is often referred to as a brain function or dementia supplement, you might have an idea.

Choline is one of the B-complex vitamins and is synthesized in the body as acetylcholine. Acetylcholine contributes to regulating learning and memory in the central nervous system. Moreover, choline is used in the synthesis of phospholipids, which are components of cell membranes, and it also plays a role in transporting accumulated fat out of the liver.

Now, let's take a look at various benefits of choline that have been validated by academia.

As we age, it's natural for cognitive functions such as reasoning, spatial perception, and language abilities to decline. Sometimes, during conversations, we may struggle to recall words, which can be frustrating. Choline is the precursor to acetylcholine, which is known to support memory and learning abilities. Therefore, choline can have a positive impact on brain metabolism mediated by acetylcholine.

In this context, a study published in the Archives of Neurology in 1996 reported that older individuals with lower language memory compared to their peers showed improved language memory when they consumed choline.

Choline promotes fetal and placental tissue expansion, DNA methylation, and other processes during fetal development. Additionally, it helps in the formation of phosphatidylcholine, a major component of cell membranes necessary for signal transmission, brain development, and fetal growth.

A paper published in the FASEB Journal in 2018 reported that infants born to mothers who supplemented with choline from the third trimester of pregnancy until birth had faster information processing speed. The study suggested that this result was due to the increased availability of choline-derived membrane lipids, which improved nerve conduction velocity.

Choline plays a role in fat metabolism, making it a useful substance in preventing conditions like fatty liver or excessive fat levels in the blood. Additionally, efficient fat metabolism with choline is associated with a higher level of satiety, which can help with overall weight loss.

In relation to this, a study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics in 2014 investigated the relationship between choline supplementation and body mass.

Today, we have explored various benefits associated with choline supplementation through research papers. Choline is an essential nutrient that is not synthesized significantly within the body and must be supplemented through food or dietary sources. However, it's important to note that consuming more than 3.5 grams of choline per day can lead to side effects such as diarrhea or vomiting, so caution is advised.

I hope you have a healthy day both physically and mentally. This was Jinny.