What is the importance of
Choline ?
Choline is a member of the vitamin B
family. It is a colorless,
crystalline compound which absorbs
water quickly. It is highly soluble
in water and alcohol. Dilute
solutions of choline (less than 4%)
are not destroyed by heat. However,
when concentrated solutions of
choline are boiled, it decomposes.
Choline is also destroyed by water,
sulphur drugs, food-processing
techniques, and alcohol. Choline is
absorbed from the intestine and
excreted mostly through the urine.
Choline helps in the transportation
of fats in the body and prevents
accumulation of fat in the liver.
This vitamin works with
inositol, another vitamin of the
B group, to utilize fats and
cholesterol. In combination with
fatty acids and phosphorus, it
stimulates the formation of
lecithin, an important constituent
of nerve cells in the body. Choline
is one of the few substances which
penetrates 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 has been found
recently to be a vital nutrient in
daily life. Choline is synthesized
by the
amino acid methionine, and
Vitamins B-12 and
Folic Acid, but there may not be
enough produced to meet the body’s
general needs. Choline is also large
player in fat metabolism, signal
transmission inside cells, and is
involved in many brain and nerve
functions because of its production
of acetyicholine.
How do you know if you need more
Choline?
A prolonged deficiency of Choline
may cause cirrhosis and the fatty
degeneration of the liver,
high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries). Taking
a
B Complex
daily is recommended.
How much Choline do
you need?
It is impossible for anyone to tell
you how much of any particular
vitamin you need. We have read many
articles and reports on this subject
and no two are alike. There are too
many variables involved. Your age,
your height and weight, your health
and lifestyle, etc. The best way for
you to decide which supplements you
need is to read these pages and make
note of any health problems you may
be having which could be associated
with a vitamin deficiency. Then
start taking a small dose. If your
symptoms don't go away after a week
or two, increase your dosage.
Continue this until your symptoms
are relieved and stay with that
dosage.Guideline is for a 150
pound adult:
Always consult your doctor or
midwife during pregnancy and
lactation.
Always start small and work your
way up, if needed. Please be careful
when dealing with fat soluble
vitamins as your body retains these
for extended periods of time. It is
possible to take to much of these
types of vitamins.
How to get enough Choline?
Eating a variety of foods that
contain Choline is the best
way to get an adequate amount.
Healthy individuals who eat a
balanced diet rarely need
supplements. Select foods that
contain excellent to good sources of
Choline each day. Such as the
following:
| Beef heart
|
Egg yolk |
Beef steak |
Wheat germ |
Oat flakes |
| Nuts |
fish |
sea foods |
lentils |
oatmeal |
If you eat an abundant quantity
of the above foods, you will not
have to worry about supplementing
your diet with extra Choline.
If you don't eat much of the above
foods, you might consider adding a
supplement.
You usually can find
the supplements listed
here at Wal-Mart or
your local health food
store. You can also buy
them online.
We recommend
Puritan's Pride for
all your vitamin and
supplement needs. Their
products are always
fresh and of the highest
quality. Their prices
can't be beat, not even
by Wal-Mart. Shipping is
very fast and
inexpensive. |
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