As part of the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, your body needs choline to protect your liver and blood vessels, support proper brain function, produce cell membranes and expel fat from your liver. You can get choline in small amounts from eggs, soy, peanuts, whole milk and beef liver. People with certain medical conditions may benefit from taking a choline supplement; consult with your physician to determine if choline supplements are right for you.
Dementia Treatment
Choline's role in supporting brain function may give the supplement some benefit for treating dementia due to stroke or Alzheimer's disease. A 1995 in-vivo study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" determined that older adults have reduced uptake of choline in their brains, Drug Digest notes. A double-blind clinical trial found that people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who took choline improved in their mental function over the course of six months, according to a 2003 issue of "Clinical Therapeutics." Other double-blind studies reported in a 2002 issue of the journal "Stroke" discovered that choline effectively treated strokes and improved recovery, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Ask your physician about the correct dosage of choline before taking the supplement, because taking too much can cause side effects like stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Cancer Treatment & Prevention
Choline produces methyl units, which are crucial for the replication of DNA and RNA, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This action indicates that a choline deficiency may play a role in your cancer susceptibility. Although research on choline's use for preventing or treating cancer has been conducted mostly in animal studies, the results have been promising. For instance, rates of cancer increased among rats fed a low-choline diet, according to a 1992 study reported in Cancer Research. Another study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 1995 also found that methyl donors like choline appear to protect cells against cancer-causing carcinogens. Although promising, the scientific evidence supporting choline's anticancer effects is still preliminary.
Liver Protection
Choline may play a role in protecting your liver. A 2008 study in the "Annals of Hepatology " found that choline helped in treating alcoholic liver disease. Additionally, a laboratory study concluded that choline deficiencies can increase the risks of liver disease and liver cancer, according to a 1993 issue of "Laboratory Investigation." Another double-blind study reported in "Hepatogastroenterology" in 1998 found that choline supported the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, although not hepatitis B, reports the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Cholesterol Reduction
Taking choline supplements could potentially have cholesterol-lowering effects. A 2006 study in the "American Journal of Cardiology" discovered that choline can reduce elevated cholesterol levels, Drug Digest says. However, a 1998 double-blind study in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found no benefit for reducing high cholesterol levels, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. On the other hand, choline lowered homocysteine levels, an indicator for heart disease risks, in a 2005 medical study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.".
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