Choline Definition

Choline is an essential nutrient and a major precursor to several important compounds. It is produced by the body in small amounts, while the majority is consumed through dietary sources. Adequate choline consumption is important as it may help protect against certain diseases as well as prevent damage to the liver and kidneys.

Functions

Choline is synthesized in small amounts by the body so the majority must come from dietary sources. The majority of choline is found in specialized fat molecules called phospholipids, which are the major component of cell membranes. As a precursor, choline is needed for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, and betaine, a molecule important for keeping fluids balanced in the kidneys, according to an article by Drs. Raj Chawla and Steven Zeisel and published in 2000 in the "Journal of Nutrition." Choline stored in the form of phosphatidylcholine is also important in preventing the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the liver which can lead to liver disease.

Recommended Intake

Adult males should consume 550 mg of choline per day and adult women 425 mg, according to the Institute of Medicine. Adolescent females should consume between 375 and 550 mg depending on age, weight and gender. Children ages 1 to 8 years should consume 200 to 250 mg and infants need 125 to 150 mg of choline per day. Upper limits to avoid side effects such as a fishy body odor, increased sweating and salivation, low blood pressure and damage to the liver are in the range of 1000 to 3000 mg per day.

Deficiency

Choline deficiency can lead to several health problems, but few studies have explored these effects. Choline is needed for the synthesis of very low density lipoproteins, or VLDL, which is a carrier molecule for fats and cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body. A lack of choline and thus VLDL, can lead to fatty liver disease and damage to the liver, according to the Linus Pauling Institute website.

Dietary Sources

Little information is known on the amounts of choline found in foods, but it is found in a wide variety of foods. It is generally found in the form of phosphatidylcholine or lecithin and is often added during processing. Choline-rich foods include beef liver, wheat germ, eggs, fish and milk, according to the Linus Pauling Institute website. Dietary supplements are a source of choline in the form of choline salts, phosphatidylcholine or lecithin. Phosphatidylcholine contains approximately 13 percent of choline by weight and lecithin approximately 3 to 4 percent, according to the Institute of Medicine.

Disease Prevention

Choline has been associated with a decreased risk of certain diseases; however more evidence in needed through research studies to develop more concrete evidence in the role choline plays in prevention. Choline may help in the breakdown of homocysteine. Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the blood that can damage vessel walls, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Choline may also play a role in decreasing the occurrence of liver cancer and preventing pregnancy complications and memory deficits, according to the Linus Pauling Institute website.