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Choline (Phosphatidycholine)

Our Overview

Background

Choline is an essential nitrogen-containing nutrient that is required for normal cell membrane structure and function. It is used to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in nerve signalling. Choline is primarily found in the diet as phosphatidylcholine and lecithin, which are found in milk, eggs, liver, and peanuts. Choline is a “methyl donator” (one carbon atom bound to three hydrogen atoms) and can thus convert homocysteine to methionine, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (by lowering homocysteine levels).

Choline supplementation has been shown in studies to improve memory in Alzheimer’s patients and the elderly, and it may also help patients with other brain-related disorders or conditions. This is most likely due to the fact that, as previously stated, choline is converted to acetylcholine in the brain. Choline has also been shown to have anticonvulsant properties. In animals, choline supplementation may help prevent or treat fatty liver syndrome (in diabetics) as well as cognitive disorders. Choline is also thought to support liver function, reduce insulin requirements in diabetics, act as a constituent of plasmalogens (long fat chains containing phosphorus), which are abundant in mitochondria and sphingomyelin (a type of fat found in high concentrations in the nerve lining), and reduce seizure frequency.

Side Effects

Supplementation with choline is widely considered very safe. In dogs and cats, rare instances of excitability and/ore nervousness have been reported, which can be resolved by lowering the dose. Some have also reported other side effects when taken in large doses include hypotension, gastrointestinal discomfort, increased salivation, decreased appetite, sweating, and a “fishy” body odor because of the excessive production and excretion of trimethylamine (a metabolite of choline).

Interactions

None reported.

Indications

  • Helps with cognitive disorders
  • Supports patients with epilepsy
  • Improves diabetes
  • Supports patients with liver disease

Dose Recommendations

Studies suggest that in dogs and cats, 20–40 mg/animal administered per 12–24 hr period is recommended
for cognitive disorders. It is understood that Choline can also be administered at a dose of 10–15 mg/0.45 kg body weight per 24 hr period.

Contraindications

None reported.

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Further Reading

  1. Pizzorno J, Murray M. Textbook of natural medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis (MO): Churchill Livingstone; 2005:817, 853, 856, 1603, 1654.
  2. Hand M, Thatcher C, Remillard R, et al. Small animal clinical nutrition. 5th ed. Topeka (KS): Mark Morris Institute; 2010:93–4.
  3. Messonnier SP. The natural health bible for dogs & cats: your A–Z guide to over 200 herbs, vitamins, and supplements. New York: Three Rivers Press; 2001:56–7,233.
  4. Wynn S, Marsden S. Manual of natural veterinary medicine: science and tradition. St. Louis (MO): Mosby; 2003:323.
  5. Broadfoot PJ, Palmquist RE, Jonston K, et al. Integrating complementary medicine into veterinary practice. Goldstein R, ed. Blackwell; 2008:541. Available at: www.mediafire.com/?2s13ctmvv7tyb2k. Accessed January 15, 2012.

Important Notice

The indications provided on this page are suggested uses for each supplement based upon published clinical experience and/or scientific studies. They do not represent as cures or medical treatments and should be treated as advice only. The recommended doses may be provided in human form where dosing for animals has not been established. It is imperative that you understand that this information is provided as guidelines only. You should consult with a registered veterinarian before administering any nutraceutical. Where using a marketed product you should follow the manufacturers instructions.