Choline Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Choline

Choline

Also known as
  • Trimethylethanolamine
  • (beta-hydroxyethyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide
Choline Choline is an essential nutrient that is found in many foods, including eggs, and is important for a number of bodily functions, including liver function, brain development, and nerve function. Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, mood, and muscle control. Choline also helps to transport fats out of the liver, which may help to reduce the risk of liver disease. Choline supplements are available in different forms, including choline bitartrate, choline chloride, and phosphatidylcholine. Choline bitartrate is the most common form of choline supplement, but phosphatidylcholine is the form that is found naturally in foods.
There are 16 drugs known to interact with Choline

Additional Details

Is Choline Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Choline is an essential nutrient that is considered safe when used orally and appropriately. It is synthesized in the body and can also be obtained through the diet. When taken in doses below the recommended upper intake level, which is 3.5 grams daily for adults, choline is generally safe. However, high doses can increase the risk of adverse effects, so it's important to avoid exceeding the recommended limits.

In children, choline is safe when used orally and appropriately according to the recommended upper intake levels for different age groups. During pregnancy and lactation, choline is also safe when taken in doses below the recommended limits, but there is limited information available regarding the safety of higher doses during this period.

How Is Choline Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Choline is a crucial nutrient involved in various functions in the body. It is related to B vitamins and amino acids and plays a role in brain development, neurotransmission, and signaling.

The mechanism of action of choline can be summarized as follows:

  • Cell Membrane Structure: Choline is a component of cell membranes, contributing to their structure and integrity.
  • Neurotransmission: Choline acts as a precursor for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in many cognitive processes.
  • Brain Development: Choline is essential for fetal brain development and may influence cell proliferation and migration in the hippocampus, a region associated with memory function.
  • Phospholipid Metabolism: Choline is required for the synthesis of phospholipids, which are essential for lipid metabolism, transport, and cell membrane function.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Choline can activate specific receptors in the nervous system, leading to a decrease in the production of inflammatory cytokines.
  • Antioxidant Effects: Preliminary evidence suggests that choline may help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
  • Cardiovascular Effects: Choline plays a role in lipid metabolism and can contribute to the synthesis of compounds involved in cardiovascular health.
  • Cognitive Effects: Choline supplementation may enhance cognitive function by increasing the density of specific receptors involved in cognitive processes.
  • Hepatoprotective Effects: Choline is necessary for liver function, and its deficiency can lead to liver-related issues. Supplementing with choline can improve liver function and protect against certain liver conditions.

It's important to note that while choline has various roles in the body, further research is still needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action.

Pharmacokinetics

Choline is absorbed slowly when taken orally. Its absorption can vary depending on the source, with choline from certain food sources showing higher plasma levels compared to supplements. Choline distributes in nervous tissue and is involved in various metabolic processes.

When choline is not absorbed, intestinal bacteria metabolize it to trimethylamine (TMA). The liver-derived metabolite, TMA oxide (TMAO), increases after the intake of water-soluble choline supplements. Betaine and dimethylglycine, other choline metabolites, may increase after consuming choline from specific sources.

The elimination half-life of oral choline can extend up to 56 hours, indicating a slow elimination process.

Interaction Overview (See Below For Full List)

Choline may interact with certain drugs, such as atropine, and caution should be exercised when combining them. The effects of atropine in the brain may be decreased when used in conjunction with choline.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Choline is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately. However, at high doses, some individuals may experience fishy body odor, diarrhea, nausea, salivation, sweating, and vomiting. These side effects are more likely to occur with doses exceeding the recommended limits.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is no specific standardization information available for choline supplements. Standardization refers to ensuring consistent levels of active compounds in each supplement. In the case of choline, it's important to choose reputable brands and follow recommended dosages to ensure product quality and efficacy.

What Is Choline Typically Used For?

Choline is used for various purposes, although the evidence supporting its effectiveness varies. Here are some of the conditions and purposes for which choline is commonly used:

  • Memory and Cognitive Function: Choline has been studied for its potential to improve memory and cognitive function. Some evidence suggests that choline supplementation can enhance cognitive performance, particularly in tasks related to attention, working memory, and executive function.
  • Brain Development in Infants: Choline plays a critical role in fetal brain development. Adequate choline intake during pregnancy is believed to support healthy brain development in infants and may have long-lasting effects on cognitive function.
  • Neurodegenerative Disorders: There is ongoing research exploring the potential benefits of choline for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. While the results so far are inconclusive, choline's role in neurotransmission and brain health makes it an area of interest for further investigation.
  • Asthma: Choline has been studied for its potential to improve symptoms in individuals with asthma. Some small clinical studies suggest that oral choline may have a modest beneficial effect on asthma symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
  • Liver Health: Choline is important for liver function, and deficiency can lead to liver-related conditions. Choline supplementation, particularly in cases of long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN), has been shown to improve liver function and protect against certain liver diseases.
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Choline supplementation during pregnancy has been studied in the context of FASD. FASD is a group of conditions that can occur in individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Some evidence suggests that choline supplementation may help mitigate the negative effects of alcohol exposure on the developing brain, potentially improving cognitive outcomes in children with FASD.

It's important to note that while choline shows promise for various uses, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness in these areas. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation or treatment regimen.

Drugs that interact with Choline

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC