Choline - Health Benefits

Choline's essential functions and therapeutic effects

Adrenal Glands

 Degeneration of the Adrenal Glandsmay occur as a result of Choline deficiency. 

Cardiovascular System

 Choline may help to maintain the health of Arteries. 

 Atherosclerosis may occur as a result of Choline deficiency.  ^[1]

 Degeneration of the Heart may occur as a result of Choline deficiency: 

 Choline may be helpful for the treatment of Heart Palpitations. 

 High Blood Pressure (High Blood Pressure) may occur as a result of Choline deficiency and supplemental Choline (1,000 mg per day) may lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients.  ^[2]

 Choline (2,000 - 3,000 mg per day) may alleviate Raynaud's Disease.  ^[3]

Cells

 Choline is an essential component of Cell Membranes (in its Phosphatidylcholine form, Choline comprises approximately 33% of Cell Membranes).  ^[4]

Digestive System

 Choline may regulate the function of the Gallbladder. 

Excretory System

 Degeneration of the Kidneys may occur as a result of Choline deficiency. 

Eyes/Vision

 Degeneration of the Eyes may occur as a result of Choline deficiency. 

Immune System

 Choline retards the progression of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).  The body rapidly depletes its Choline stores in its efforts to restore Immune System cells damaged by the HIV virus that causes AIDS.  ^[5]

 Cancer - Liver may occur as a result of long-term Choline deficiency.  ^[6]

 Choline may help to prevent damage to Lymphocytes and apoptosis (cell death) of Lymphocytes.  ^[7]

Metabolism

 Choline (2,000 - 3,000 mg per day) may improve Athletic Performance (primarily in people who engage in Endurance Exercise).  ^[8]

 Choline may enhance the function of the Liver:  ^[9]

 Cirrhosis of the Liver may occur as a result of Choline deficiency.  ^[10]

 Choline may prevent the accumulation of Fats - Dietary within the Liver.

 Fatty Liver may occur as a result of Choline deficiency.  ^[11]

 Choline may alleviate Hepatitis.

 Choline supplementation may help to prevent Obesity (this occurs from Choline facilitating the retention of Carnitine, a compound with known anti-Obesity effects).  ^[12]

 Accumulation of Triglycerides within the Liver may occur as a result of Choline deficiency: 

 This accumulation of Triglycerides occurs because Triglycerides must be exported from the Liver via Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDLs) - Phosphatidylcholine (of which Choline is an essential constituent) is an essential component of VLDL.