Support A Healthy Mind With Choline

Choline is one of the few substances which penetrate the so-called blood-brain barrier, which ordinarily protects the brain against the effects of variations in the daily diet. It goes directly into the brain cells to produce a chemical that aids memory.

Choline is considered as a member of the Vitamin B family. It is a colourless, crystalline compound, easily soluble in water and alcohol. Choline is a component of lecithin, acetylcholine and other phospholipids. It can be easily synthesized in human body from the amino acid methionine, first to ethanolamine to form Choline through transmethylation with the aid of vitamin B12 and Folic Acid.

Choline has important co-nutrients. Obviously the other B complex vitamins as they should always be taken together and never separately. This B complex vitamin also requires vitamin A, manganese, zinc and linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid).

The requirements of choline may need to be increased if you consume alcohol or have diabetes. Also, if you are using drugs such as diuretics, estrogens or oral contraceptives, then you may also need to increase your intake of this vitamin.

Our bodies can’t make enough of the B vitamin choline if we are low in it and a second B vitamin, folate. That’s according to a study from Agricultural Research Service and university researchers, led by chemist Robert A. Jacob of ARS’ Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, Calif.

The findings agree with some of the results of animal studies conducted earlier by ARS scientists at Tufts University in Boston and by other nutrition researchers elsewhere. In all, these investigations helped pave the way to the current recommended choline intake of 425 milligrams a day for women and 550 milligrams for men.

B vitamin choline is one of the lipotropic B vitamins, that is; it helps the utilization of fats in the body and thereby supports weight loss. This vitamin is widely available in food but is sensitive to water and may be destroyed by cooking, food processing, improper food storage, and the intake of various drugs, including alcohol, estrogen, and sulfa antibiotics.

Choline is easily absorbed from the intestines and is one of the only vitamins that cross into the spinal fluid to be involved directly in brain chemical metabolism. Choline is referred to as the “memory” vitamin, as it is an important part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

B vitamin choline is available in capsule, tablet, and bulk powder forms. It is important to look for name brands such as Solaray, Source Naturals, Nature’s Plus brand, and Natures life when purchasing this supplement to ensure quality and purity. Always look to your local or internet health food store for name brands such as the ones listed above.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Choline is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

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