Choline Bitartrate has been used for many years as a source of dietary choline. Choline is one of the B vitamins. Like other B vitamins, it is involved in a variety of intricate biochemical reactions involving multiple systems of the body, including the brain, muscles, and internal organs. Specifically, we need choline in order to form healthy cell membranes, break down cholesterol, and aid in the function of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Supplementing with Choline Bitartrate has a wide range of benefits. First, choline prevents muscle damage and degeneration, and improves the functioning of the liver and other organs. Because of this, it helps prevent conditions such as a 'fatty liver'. Studies show that this is particularly important in men and post-menopausal women. Choline also helps lower homocysteine levels. It can help prevent osteoporosis. Furthermore, because it supports neurotransmitters in the brain, it is important for memory and other cognitive tasks. In fact, studies show that people with Alzheimer's disease are often deficient in choline.
In short, the effects of choline are many and complex. And, whereas most people manage to get an adequate amount of this vitamin through their food, supplementing with Choline Bitartrate may enhance these vital bodily functions as well as preventing potentially harmful deficiencies.
Choline is found in a wide range of protein-rich foods, both from animal and vegetarian sources. You can get choline by eating eggs (particularly the yolks), lamb, veal, and fish, as well as beans, nuts and soy lecithin.
550 mg of choline per day is considered adequate for most individuals. Supplementing with Choline Bitartrate is considered safe and beneficial in amounts up to 3 grams daily.
References 1)Albright CD, Liu R, Berthea TC, et al. Choline deficiency induces apoptosis in SV 40-immortalized CW SV-1 rat hepatocytes in culture. FASEB J. 1996; 10:510-516. 2) Blusztajn JK. Choline, a vital amine. Science. 1998; 281:794-795
