Many people experience occasional feelings of discouragement from time to time, but major depression can interfere with your daily life. Various situations and conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies and certain medications, can contribute to the development or worsening of depression. Choline bitartrate is a nutrient that may increase feelings of depression, although research regarding this side effect is limited.
Depression
Sadness is one of the main symptoms of depression. This mood disorder may also include feelings of frustration, anger and loss. Depression may range from mild to severe. Postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder and bipolar disorder are all forms of depression. Depression that lasts longer than two weeks may signal the presence of major depression. This mood disorder can interfere with your quality of life by affecting your sleep, appetite, energy levels and sexual enjoyment. Although the specific cause of depression may be difficult to pinpoint, heredity, chronic stress, biochemical changes in the brain, medications and medical conditions may contribute to this condition.
Choline
Choline bitartrate is a type of choline salt available as a nutritional supplement. Choline is an essential nutrient that your body requires to perform impulse transmission, cell signaling and fat metabolism. Inadequate amounts of choline may increase your risk of liver damage. Peanuts, soybean, wheat germ, liver and egg yolks are dietary sources of choline.
Dosage
There is no recommended daily allowance for choline, although the adequate intake is 550 mg per day for adult males and 425 mg per day for adult females, according to the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute. The safe upper limit is 3.5 g per day for adults, although the Institute warns that people with depression who consume this much choline may experience an increased risk of adverse effects.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking choline bitartrate supplements, especially if you suffer from depression. This nutritional supplement may cause depression and is unsuitable for individuals with bipolar disorder. In addition to possibly worsening your depression, too much choline may cause diarrhea, hypotension and dizziness, as well as a fishy body odor. Depression can be a serious disorder that often requires a combination of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Tell your doctor about any medications, herbs or nutritional supplements you take.
