Cholin

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays an important role for health and the brain. Choline is found in various foods such as soya products, pulses, nuts, quinoa, vegetables and wholemeal cereals. Several studies have emphasised the importance of choline for health, nerves and the brain.



Here are some benefits of choline:

• Brain function: choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for communication between nerve cells in the brain. Adequate choline intake can support brain function, improve memory, attention and cognitive performance.
  
  
• Cell membranes: Choline is an important component of phospholipids, which are components of cell membranes. It helps to maintain the structure and function of cell membranes and promote cell health.
  
  
• Fat metabolism: Choline plays a role in the transport of fats and the regulation of fat metabolism. It supports liver function and can help regulate cholesterol levels.
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory: Choline has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. This can contribute to improved overall health and reduce the risk of inflammation-related diseases.

Important active ingredients involved in the benefits of choline are acetylcholine, phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, and betaine. These substances are crucial for the function of the nervous system, the structure of cell membranes and fat metabolism.

Studies on Cholin

Here are some studies that deal with the topic of choline:

• This study examines the importance of choline as an essential nutrient for brain function and emphasises its role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. 
  

  Zeisel SH et al. (2003): Choline, an essential nutrient for humans.

• This study investigated how the addition of choline during prenatal development influences cognitive function, in particular spatial memory. 
  

  Meck WH et al. (1999): Choline supplementation during prenatal development reduces proactive interference in spatial memory.

• This study investigated the relationship between a choline-rich diet and cognitive performance and the intensity of white matter hyperintensities (brain changes on MRI) in a cohort of older adults.
  

  Poly, C., Massaro, J. M., Seshadri, S., et al. (2011). The relation of dietary choline to cognitive performance and white-matter hyperintensity in the Framingham Offspring Cohort. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 94(6), 1584-1591. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.110.008938

• This study investigated brain choline uptake in older adults using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and found decreased choline uptake associated with age.
  

  Cohen, B. M., Renshaw, P. F., Stoll, A. L., Wurtman, R. J., Yurgelun-Todd, D., & Babb, S. M. (1995). Decreased brain choline uptake in older adults: an in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Jama, 274(11), 902-907. DOI: 10.1001/jama.1995.03530110036032

• This study investigated the relationship between usual dietary choline intake and cognitive performance in older adults.
  

  Liu, Q. P., Wu, Y. F., Cheng, H. Y., Xia, T., Ding, H., Wang, H., ... & Xu, Y. (2017). Habitual Choline Intake and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 105(5), 1284-1293. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.139683

• This review summarises the neuroprotective effects of choline and emphasises its role in neuronal development, plasticity and function.

  Blusztajn, J. K., Slack, B. E., & Mellott, T. J. (2017). Neuroprotective actions of dietary choline. Nutrients, 9(8), 815. DOI: 10.3390/nu9080815

• This study investigated the effect of choline supplementation on cognitive function and neurotransmitters in the brain.
  

  Cohen, B. M., Renshaw, P. F., & Stoll, A. L. (1997). Wurtman RJ. Yurek-George A, et al. CNS Spectrums, 2, 1997, S. 60-72.

These studies are only a small part of the extensive research literature on choline. There are many other studies dealing with various aspects of cholinergic signalling, neurological diseases, cognitive function and other correlations.