IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR LIPID METABOLISM AND IS A ACETYLCHOLINE PRECURSOR AND ACTS AS METHYL DONOR IN VARIOUS OTHER METABOLIC PROCESSES. SOURCES OF CHOLINE WHICH OCCURS MOSTLY AS LECITHIN INCLUDE EGG YOLK, VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL FAT. ITS ABSENCE IN TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION CAUSES HEPATIC STEATOSIS. IT IS ALSO ESSENTIAL IN THE DIET OF NEONATES. CHOLINE BITARTRATE CAN BE SYNTHESISED IN THE BODY.