Scientific Evidence of Choline - Body of Harmony

Scientific Evidence of Choline

by: Payam Hakimi
March 2025
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Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in brain development, liver function, metabolism, and cellular integrity. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in memory and muscle control. Although the body can synthesize some choline, dietary intake is necessary to meet physiological demands. Scientific research has explored its benefits in cognitive health, liver function, cardiovascular health, and prenatal development.

1. Brain Health & Cognitive Function

How It Helps: Choline is necessary for acetylcholine production, which supports memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance.
Scientific Evidence:
- A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) found that higher dietary choline intake was associated with better cognitive function and memory performance in adults.
- Study: Poly et al., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011.
- Another study in NeuroImage (2014) showed that choline supplementation improved brain function and structure in older adults.
- Study: Zeisel et al., NeuroImage, 2014.

2. Liver Function & Fat Metabolism

How It Helps: Choline is essential for lipid metabolism and helps prevent fatty liver disease by aiding in fat transport and metabolism.
Scientific Evidence:
- Research in The Journal of Nutrition (1991) found that choline deficiency leads to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver damage.
- Study: Zeisel et al., The Journal of Nutrition, 1991.
- A study in Hepatology (2007) confirmed that choline supplementation reversed fatty liver disease in individuals with low dietary intake.
- Study: Buchman et al., Hepatology, 2007.

3. Cardiovascular Health

How It Helps: Choline is a precursor to betaine, which helps lower homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Scientific Evidence:
- A study in Circulation (2008) showed that individuals with higher choline intake had lower homocysteine levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.
- Study: Wang et al., Circulation, 2008.
- Another study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) found that dietary choline was linked to improved cardiovascular health.
- Study: Detopoulou et al., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2006.

4. Prenatal Development & Fetal Brain Health

How It Helps: Choline is crucial for fetal brain development, preventing neural tube defects and supporting cognitive function in infants.
Scientific Evidence:
- A study in The FASEB Journal (2018) found that higher maternal choline intake during pregnancy improved cognitive function in offspring.
- Study: Caudill et al., The FASEB Journal, 2018.
- Research in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) (2013) suggested that adequate choline intake during pregnancy enhances brain development and reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
- Study: Shaw et al., JAMA, 2013.

5. Athletic Performance & Muscle Function

How It Helps: Choline plays a role in muscle contraction and endurance by influencing acetylcholine synthesis.
Scientific Evidence:
- A study in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2012) found that choline supplementation improved endurance and reduced muscle fatigue in athletes.
- Study: Penry et al., The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2012.

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