Choline for the liver, brain and foetal development

Choline is a key nutrient involved in methylation, a process important for healthy cell function, fat metabolism, gene expression, foetal brain development and detoxification.

In the liver, choline is oxidised to betaine, a compound providing 60% of the methyl groups involved in homocysteine methylation. Choline also contributes to liver health in several ways, including secretion of bile salts, metabolism of fat, cholesterol and VLDL. A deficiency of choline has been linked to hepatic dysfunction.

Choline is critical for synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, essential for brain health, cognition and healthy mental functioning. It is involved in an array of key reactions, including muscle control, memory and mediation of emotion and behaviour in the brain. Adequate concentrations of choline in the brain are believed to protect against age-related cognitive decline and certain types of dementia, as adequate concentrations potentially preserve neurons, brain volume and neuronal transmissions.

Pregnancy and lactation are times when demand for choline is especially high, as transport of choline from mother to foetus depletes maternal plasma choline. This nutrient is needed for brain development and placental growth. Choline is required in large amounts in the third trimester when foetal organ growth is extremely rapid. Choline also shows synergistic benefits when combined with DNA during pregnancy. (Fish oil or Algal oil), enhancing neurodevelopment of foetal hippocampus (part of the brain, involved in the formation of new memories and is also associated with learning and emotions) compared to choline or DHA alone.

Very recent research has confirmed that maternal choline protects foetal brains from the effects of infection. Researchers assessed 162 newborns using cerebral auditory-evoked response (P50) inhibition (a predictor of cognitive and behavioural problems), in addition to maternal gestational choline and prevalence of infection (e.g. respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal) during pregnancy. In mothers experiencing illness, higher choline levels were associated with improved newborn P50 inhibition, mitigating the damaging effect of infection on neuronal function seen in infants with lower gestational choline.

The recommended dosage for pregnancy and foetal brain development is 450–675 mg of equivalent choline and for brain function, cognition and liver support, 675 mg daily.