Choline

Choline, one of the B-complex vitamins, is synthesized by the interaction of vitamin B12 and folic acid with methionine. It is present in all living cells and facilitates the movement of fats into cells and is necessary for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. It combines with fatty acids and phosphoric acid in the liver to form lecithin, and so protects against ‘fatty liver’.

FOOD SOURCES

Brewer's Yeast, cruciferous green vegetables, egg yolk, beans and pulses, especially soybeans, wheat germ.

SUPPLEMENTATION

Lecithin (choline + inositol)

SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY

Arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, bleeding stomach ulcers, blockage of kidney tubes, cirrhosis and fatty degeneration of the liver, fatty deposits in the liver, heart trouble, high blood pressure, kidney haemorrhaging.

SIGNS OF TOXICITY

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness.

DAILY REQUIREMENT

500mg +/- depending on body weight.