Choline is a nutrient similar to B vitamins. It can be made in the liver. It is also found in foods such as meats, fish, nuts, beans, vegetables, and eggs.
Choline is used in many chemical reactions in the body. It's important in the nervous system and for the development of normal brain functioning. Choline might also help decrease swelling and inflammation related to asthma.
People commonly use choline for memory, mental function, preventing certain birth defects, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Ineffective for
- Athletic performance. Taking choline by mouth does not seem to improve athletic performance or decrease tiredness during exercise.
There is interest in using choline for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Choline is likely safe for most people when taken in doses below 3.5 grams daily. Taking high doses of choline is possibly unsafe. Taking doses over 3.5 grams daily might cause side effects such as sweating, a fishy body odor, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Choline is likely safe for most people when taken in doses below 3.5 grams daily. Taking high doses of choline is possibly unsafe. Taking doses over 3.5 grams daily might cause side effects such as sweating, a fishy body odor, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Choline is likely safe when used during pregnancy and breast-feeding in doses up to 3 grams daily for those up to 18 years of age, and 3.5 grams daily for those 19 years and older. There isn't enough reliable information to know if choline is safe to use in higher doses when pregnant or breast-feeding. It's best to stick to recommended doses.
Children: Choline is likely safe for most children when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts. Doses up to 1 gram daily for children 1-8 years of age, 2 grams daily for children 9-13 years, and 3 grams daily for children 14-18 years, are not likely to cause unwanted side effects. Taking higher doses of choline by mouth is possibly unsafe due to the increased risk of side effects.
Loss of bladder control: Taking choline in doses of 9 grams daily or more might worsen this condition.
Interactions
Taking choline with atropine might decrease the effects of atropine.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
Choline is an essential nutrient. It's found in foods such as meats, fish, nuts, beans, vegetables, and eggs. It's recommended that adult females consume 425 mg daily, and adult males consume 550 mg daily to maintain adequate nutrition. When pregnant, 450 mg should be consumed daily, and when breast-feeding, 550 mg should be consumed daily. Recommended amounts for children depend on age.
In supplements, choline has most often been used by adults in doses of 1-3 grams by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
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