TREATMENT DATABASE

Choline is an amine (a nitrogen-containing compound) similar in function to B vitamins. It is an essential nutrient, which means it cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through food sources. Foods high in choline include egg yolk, liver, fatty meats, nuts and brown rice.

Choline performs three vital biological functions: 1) It is an important component of phosphatidylcholine, which forms cell walls and supports cellular function; 2) Choline serves as a precursor to acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for memory formation and muscle movement; 3) Choline is an important methyl donor, supporting the methylation cycle through its metabolite, trimethylglycine (betaine).

A deficiency in choline can lead to liver damage (“fatty liver”) and a reduction in kidney function. Lack of choline in the diet can also cause infertility, growth impairment, bone abnormalities, and hypertension. Because choline plays such an important role in nervous system development, a deficiency in early life can lead to neurological deficits. Vegans and athletes are particularly prone to choline deficiency.

USES IN ME/CFS. Given the important role of choline in neuronal protection from oxidative stress, as well as the fact that it is a component of acetylcholine, choline may play an important role in ME/CFS treatments.

Side effects from excessive intake of choline are: a fishy body odor, vomiting, salivation, and increased sweating. Taking large doses of choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) does not generally result in fishy body odor. However, not all ME/CFS patients tolerate lecithin.

Treatment rating for Choline