Monograph: |
Choline Chloride.
Choline is an acetylcholine precursor. It is involved in lipid
metabolism and acts as a methyl donor in various other met-
abolic processes. Choline has traditionally been considered to
be a vitamin B substance although its functions do not justify
its classification as a vitamin. Choline can be synthesised in
the body. However, its absence in total parenteral nutrition
causes hepatic steatosis, and it is also thought to be a
requirement in the diet of neonates. Sources of choline, which
occurs mostly as lecithin, include egg-yolk and vegetable and
animal fat.
Choline is used as a dietary supplement and has been used to
treat liver disorders such as fatty, liver and cirrhosis. It has
been tried in the management of Alzheimer's disease
but without success. Choline is used as the bitartrate.
dihydrogen citrate, and orotate salts as well as the chloride.
Human requirements. In the USA, an adequate intake of
550 mg daily in men and 425 mg daily in women has been
determined for choline.
|