logo
What Is Choline? An Essential Nutrient With Many Benefits

What Is Choline? An Essential Nutrient With Many Benefits

Health Line29-05-2025
Choline is a vital nutrient, but many people do not consume the recommended intake. Beef and chicken liver, salmon, and eggs are among the richest dietary sources of choline.
Choline was only acknowledged as a required nutrient by the Institute of Medicine in 1998. Although your body makes some choline naturally, you need to get it from your diet to avoid a deficiency.
Many people are not meeting the recommended intake for this nutrient.
This article provides everything you need to know about choline, including what it is and why you need it.
What is choline?
Choline is an essential nutrient. This means it's required for normal bodily function and human health. Though your liver can make small amounts, you must obtain the majority through your diet.
Choline is an organic, water-soluble compound. It is neither a vitamin nor a mineral.
However, it is often grouped with the vitamin B complex due to its similarities. In fact, this nutrient affects a number of vital bodily functions.
It impacts liver function, healthy brain development, muscle movement, your nervous system and metabolism.
Therefore, adequate amounts are needed for optimal health.
Serves many functions in your body
Choline plays an important part in many processes in your body, including:
Cell structure: It is needed to make fats that support the structural integrity of cell membranes.
Cell messaging: It is involved in the production of compounds that act as cell messengers.
Fat transport and metabolism: It is essential for making a substance required for removing cholesterol from your liver. Inadequate choline may result in fat and cholesterol buildup in your liver.
DNA synthesis: Choline and other vitamins, such as B12 and folate, help with a process that's important for DNA synthesis.
A healthy nervous system: This nutrient is required to make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. It's involved in memory, muscle movement, regulating heartbeat and other basic functions.
How much do you need?
Due to a lack of available evidence, a Reference Daily Allowance (RDA) for choline has not been determined.
However, the Institute of Medicine has set a value for adequate intake (AI).
This value is intended to be sufficient for most healthy people, helping them avoid negative consequences of deficiency, such as liver damage.
Nevertheless, requirements differ according to age, gender, and genetic makeup.
In addition, determining choline intake is difficult because its presence in various foods is relatively unknown.
Here are the recommended AI values of choline for different age groups:
0–6 months: 125 mg per day
7–12 months: 150 mg per day
1–3 years: 200 mg per day
4–8 years: 250 mg per day
9–13 years: 375 mg per day
14–18 years: 400 mg per day for females and 550 mg per day for males
Adult females: 425 mg per day
Adult males: 550 mg per day
People breastfeeding: 550 mg per day
Pregnant people: 430 mg per day
Deficiency is unhealthy but rare
Choline deficiency can cause harm, especially for your liver.
One small, older study in 57 adults found that 77% of men, 80% of postmenopausal women and 44% of premenopausal women developed fatty liver and/or muscle damage after going on a choline-deficient diet.
Another older study noted that when postmenopausal women consumed a diet deficient in choline, 73% developed liver or muscle dysfunction.
However, these symptoms disappeared once they began getting enough choline.
Choline is especially important during pregnancy, as a low intake may raise the risk of neural tube defects in unborn babies.
Another older study determined that a higher dietary intake around the time of conception was associated with a lower risk of neural tube defects.
In addition, low choline intake may raise your risk of other pregnancy complications. These include preeclampsia, premature birth and low birth weight.
Top dietary sources
Choline can be obtained from a variety of foods and supplements.
Food sources
Dietary sources are generally in the form of phosphatidylcholine from lecithin, a type of fat-like molecule found in lecithin.
The richest dietary sources of choline include:
Food Portion Amount of choline contained (mg)
Pan-fried beef liver 1 slice (3 ounces or 85 grams) 356
Hardboiled eggs 1 large egg 147
Lean braised beef top round 3 ounces or 85 grams 117
Roasted soybeans Half a cup 107
Roasted chicken breast 3 ounces or 85 grams 72
Cooked fresh cod 3 ounces or 85 grams 71
Baked red potatoes with skin 1 large potato 57
Canned kidney beans Half a cup 45
Additives and supplements
Soy lecithin is a widely used food additive that contains choline. Therefore, it is likely that extra choline is consumed through the diet via food additives.
Some additive and supplemental forms of chlorine include:
lecithin
phosphatidylcholine
choline chloride
CDP-choline
alpha-GPC
betaine
Some sources claim that choline in nutritional supplements may reduce body fat, but there is little to no evidence supporting these claims.
Impact on heart health
Elevated levels of homocysteine in your blood have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes, as well as lower blood pressure. However, evidence is mixed, and more studies are needed to confirm any positive link.
Choline helps convert the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. Therefore, a deficiency of choline can result in an accumulation of homocysteine in your blood.
Impact on your brain
Choline is required to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating memory, mood and intelligence.
It's also needed for the process that synthesizes DNA, which is important for brain function and development.
Therefore, choline intake is associated with improvements in brain function and cognitive performance.
Observational studies link higher choline intake to better brain function and a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
However, further studies on this subject are needed to better understand whether choline supplementation would affect cognitive function.
Too much can be harmful
Consuming too much choline has been associated with unpleasant and potentially harmful side effects.
These include drops in blood pressure, sweating, fishy body odor, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
The daily upper limit for adults is 3,500 mg per day. This is the highest level of intake that is unlikely to cause harm.
It is very unlikely that someone could ingest this amount from food alone. It would be almost impossible to reach this level without taking supplements in large doses.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Influential evangelical pastor and theologian John MacArthur dead at 86 after health battle
Influential evangelical pastor and theologian John MacArthur dead at 86 after health battle

Yahoo

time35 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Influential evangelical pastor and theologian John MacArthur dead at 86 after health battle

John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, died Monday at the age of 86 after a battle with pneumonia. "Our hearts are heavy, yet rejoicing, as we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered into the presence of the Savior," read a Monday-night post on the X account of "Grace to You" which is MacArthur's media ministry. "This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run." The announcement comes after associate pastor Tom Patton told congregants at a July 13 Sunday service that MacArthur had been hospitalized with the illness, according to The Roys Report. "This week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia," Patton previously said during the service. "He was admitted into the hospital and may be in the presence of the Lord soon." California Pastor John Macarthur Hospitalized With Life-threatening Illness As Church Community Rallies MacArthur began his work at Grace Community Church after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary in 1969, according to the church's website. Throughout his time in leadership, the church's two morning worship services reportedly grew to fill the 3,500-seat auditorium to capacity, with thousands of members joining various training programs and fellowship groups. Read On The Fox News App In 1985, MacArthur became president of The Master's University, a four-year accredited liberal arts Christian college located in Santa Clarita. One year later, he founded The Master's Seminary, a graduate school specializing in preparing men for full-time pastoral roles and missionary work, according to Grace Community Church. MacArthur also served as president and featured teacher with Grace to You, a nonprofit organization specializing in the development and distribution of his audio recordings, books and the "Grace to You" television and radio programs. Additionally, MacArthur penned nearly 400 books and study resources, including The Gospel According to Jesus and Our Sufficiency in Christ, with his titles being translated into over two dozen languages, according to the church's website. California Pastor John Macarthur 'Doing Better' After Sudden Illness The pastor previously made national headlines in 2020 after a California judge ruled the church could continue holding in-person services despite Gov. Gavin Newsom's statewide coronavirus restrictions. MacArthur had suffered from years of health complications, including a sudden onset of illness while preaching at a 2023 service. Since then, he has reportedly undergone multiple surgeries targeting atrial fibrillation and other conditions. However, his health reportedly continued to decline, with Patton telling members of the community that the pastor's recovery from "three surgeries in the second half of 2024" was "slower than expected," and saw "occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs and kidneys." Popes Who Have Served The Catholic Church For The Past 100 Years: Champions Of Truth, Faith And Love Earlier this year, MacArthur was hospitalized while undergoing a "second procedure" on his lungs, the outlet reported. MacArthur is survived by his wife, Patricia, four children and fifteen article source: Influential evangelical pastor and theologian John MacArthur dead at 86 after health battle

How To Talk Vaccines With Skeptics: 5 Tips From a Doctor
How To Talk Vaccines With Skeptics: 5 Tips From a Doctor

Medscape

time41 minutes ago

  • Medscape

How To Talk Vaccines With Skeptics: 5 Tips From a Doctor

Vaccines recommended for children and adolescents are safe and effective and have prevented an estimated 146 million deaths in children under the age of 5 years worldwide. However, many clinicians continue to face questions and concerns from parents and may feel uncertain about how to respond. In a recent JAMA Insights , Sean T. O'Leary, MD, MPH, professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado, outlined five strategies to help physicians build trust and support informed vaccination decisions. Tip 1: Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy Most individuals who question vaccines do not intend to cause harm. Acknowledging this shared concern lays a respectful foundation. For example, 'We both want what is best for your child — keeping them healthy and protected.' This is the most important thing to recognize when communicating with families about vaccination. Tip 2: Effective Communication Strategies For parents who resist an initial presumptive recommendation, clinician responses can shape the outcome of the conversation. A statement such as 'It's time for Maya's vaccines today' normalizes vaccination as routine medical care, whereas a question like 'What do you think about vaccines today?' indicates that vaccination is optional, potentially reinforcing doubt. Tip 3: Values-based messaging Many vaccine-hesitant parents value natural approaches to their health and personal autonomy. Instead of positioning vaccines in opposition to these values, clinicians can frame immunizations to support a child's natural defenses and protect them from serious illnesses. Vaccine conversations should be ongoing and not one-off. Parents who initially decline may change their minds if they consistently hear the same message from a trusted clinician. Gentle persistence, combined with respect for parental decision-making, can lead to higher vaccine uptake. Tip 4: Pre-bunk Misinformation Another effective technique is pre-bunking, which involves addressing false information before parents encounter it. Cautioning parents during well-baby visits about inaccurate sources of information can reduce the influence of false claims on vaccination. For example, a clinician might say, 'There is a lot of inaccurate information about vaccines out there that can make vaccines seem unnecessary or even scary. I have some good sources of information I recommend.' By proactively pre-bunking unreliable information, clinicians can prevent parents from being swayed by misleading narratives. Tip 5: Motivational interviewing Instead of simply stating that vaccines are safe, clinicians can strengthen confidence by using motivational interviewing techniques to explain the rigorous safety testing that vaccines undergo before approval, that vaccines are removed from the market if serious safety concerns arise, and that robust surveillance systems are in place to monitor adverse events. Inserting a simple statement, such as 'I have heard that concern before and I have looked into it. Would you mind if I share with you what I found out?' may make parents more receptive to subsequent shared factual information. Effective communication strategies can help clinicians build trust, navigate difficult vaccine conversations, strengthen parents' intentions to vaccinate, and improve vaccine uptake. Conclusion A presumptive approach presenting vaccination as the norm, combined with listening to parents' concerns, motivational interviewing, and pre-bunking unreliable information, can improve vaccine acceptance. Building trust through clear explanations, aligning messages with parental values, and leveraging social norms further strengthens vaccine confidence. Although some parents may not immediately accept vaccines, ongoing dialogue and consistent messaging can increase the likelihood of their eventual acceptance. Using these communication strategies, clinicians can help ensure that more children receive life-saving vaccines, thereby protecting both individual and public health.

Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market to Hit USD 6.21 Billion by 2032, Driven by Social Media Influence and Growing Aesthetic Consciousness, Reports SNS Insider
Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market to Hit USD 6.21 Billion by 2032, Driven by Social Media Influence and Growing Aesthetic Consciousness, Reports SNS Insider

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market to Hit USD 6.21 Billion by 2032, Driven by Social Media Influence and Growing Aesthetic Consciousness, Reports SNS Insider

U.S. Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market Expected to Surpass USD 2.07 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 16.45%, Fueled by Disposable Income and Demand for Safe, Non-Surgical Cosmetic Solutions. Austin, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market Size & Growth Analysis: According to SNS Insider, the global Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market is projected to grow from USD 1.56 billion in 2023 to USD 6.21 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 16.67% during the forecast period of 2024-2032. The global non-invasive fat reduction market is growing rapidly due to the prevalence of physical appearance and body image consciousness is on the rise globally, fueled by lifestyle changes and urbanisation, and due to the impact of the media. Men and women alike are searching for non-surgical methods of cosmetic procedures that will boost self-esteem. A cultural trend becoming more prevalent is the desire to appear fit and young. This increased desire to look fit and young is driving demand for non-invasive fat reduction a Sample Report of Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market@ The U.S. non-invasive fat reduction market was estimated at USD 526.01 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2071.56 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 16.45% during the forecast period of 2024-2032 The U.S is leading the non-invasive fat reduction market in North America due to the large number of people who have disposable income, which they can use to pay for elective and cosmetic treatments that health insurance does not cover. This disposable income motive stimulates people to opt for the non-invasive fat-reducing sessions for cosmetic reasons. Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: Allergan (CoolSculpting, CoolTone) Cynosure (SculpSure, TempSure Firm) Alma Lasers (Accent Prime, Accent Elite) Cutera, Inc. (truSculpt iD, truSculpt Flex) BTL Aesthetics (EMSCULPT, EMTONE) Lumenis Ltd. (NuEra Tight, UltraShape Power) Venus Concept Inc. (Venus Bliss, Venus Legacy) InMode Ltd. (BodyTite, Morpheus8 Body) Zeltiq Aesthetics (CoolAdvantage, CoolMini) Solta Medical (Thermage FLX, Liposonix) Fotona (SP Dynamis, StarWalker) Sciton, Inc. (JOULE X, ProLipo PLUS) Medtronic (VaserShape, VaserLipo) Zimmer Biomet (Z Wave Pro, Z Cryo) Syneron Candela (UltraShape, VelaShape) REVOLVE Aesthetics (AirSculpt Laser Lipo, AirSculpt+) Hitech Lasers (LipoZero G2, CaviPlus) ThermiGen LLC (ThermiSmooth Body, ThermiTight) Advalight (ADVATx, UltraContour) Evonik Industries (Ultherapy, CelluContour) Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 1.56 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 6.21 billion CAGR CAGR of 16.67% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Regional Analysis North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, Turkey, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Segment Analysis Cryolipolysis Segment is Anticipated to Hold the Largest Share of the Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market, By Technology In 2023, the cryolipolysis segment held the largest market share with 35.45%, driven by its safety profile, quick recovery for patients, and great fat reduction outcomes. FDA approvals, extensive clinical utilization, and demonstrable patient interest in non-invasive, targeted body contouring also position the treatment well above alternative treatments, including ultrasound or laser technologies. Based on End-Use, the Hospital Segment Accounted for the Largest Share of the Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market The hospital segment dominated the non-invasive fat reduction market in 2023 with a 55.41% market share, owing to its advanced infrastructure, availability of certified professionals, and access to FDA-approved technologies. Patients prefer hospitals for safety, comprehensive care, and trusted clinical expertise, especially for procedures requiring precise monitoring and post-treatment support, driving higher procedure volumes in this setting. By End-Use, the Hospital Segment is Emerging as the Fastest Growing Segment of the Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market In 2023, the hospital segment held the largest share of the non-invasive fat reduction market, owing to growing confidence among patients for supervised procedures and increased penetration of aesthetic services within hospitals. Stronger safety requirements, use of sophisticated devices, and expansion of collaboration with cosmetic device manufacturers are speeding up the cosmetic practice of shaping with body fat liquefaction. For A Detailed Briefing Session with Our Team of Analysts, Connect with Us Now@ Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market Segmentation By Technology Cryolopolysis Lower-level Laser Ultra-sound Others By End-Use Hospitals Stand-alone Practices Multispecialty Clinics Others Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market is Expected to Register Fastest Growth in Asia-Pacific, North America Dominates The non-invasive fat reduction market in North America accounted for the largest share of 39.46% in 2023, driven by its high rates of obesity, robust consumer interest in cosmetic treatments, and easy access to advanced technology. Favourable regulatory approvals and well-established market players in the region favour the dominance of the region in the use of non-invasive body contouring procedures. The Asia-Pacific region is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to an increasing middle-class populace, increasing awareness towards aesthetic procedures, and increasing healthcare infrastructure. Declining treatment costs, a higher number of trained professionals, and aggressive marketing by global and regional players are the growth drivers. Moreover, the rise of medical tourism and changing cultural attitudes toward aesthetic enhancement contribute to market growth. Buy a Single-User PDF of Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 5.1 Incidence and Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight Population (2023) 5.2 Technology Trends and Patient Preferences (2023), by Region 5.3 Healthcare Spending on Aesthetic Procedures, by Region (Government, Commercial, Private, Out-of-Pocket), 2023 5.4 Technological Advancements and Adoption Trends (2023) 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market by Technology 8. Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market by End-Use 9. Regional Analysis 10. Company Profiles 11. Use Cases and Best Practices 12. Conclusion Related Reports Body Contouring Devices Market Report Medical Aesthetics Market Insights Cosmetic Surgery Market Trends About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. CONTACT: Contact Us: Jagney Dave - Vice President of Client Engagement Phone: +1-315 636 4242 (US) | +44- 20 3290 5010 (UK) Email: info@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store