Choline
What is Choline?
Choline is a chemical from which brain chemical acetylcholine is manufactured:
Choline => Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is our brain's "memory molecule", and, as its nick-name suggests, it is responsible for concentration, memory and learning abilities, as well as for ability to think in non-standard ways, sociability and creativity.
The insufficiency of acetylcholine results in the impairment of these vital functions and many dangerous syndromes.
Moreover, choline helps form phosphatidylcholine, another vital substance needed to maintain healthy membranes of the cells:
Choline => CDP-Choline => Phosphatidylcholine
What is Choline used for?
The main use of choline is the improvement of attention, memory, concentration and cognitive function as a whole.
For its remarkable mind-boosting properties choline could be thought of as legal and hundred percent safe "smart drug".
Regarding insomnia cure, although choline doesn’t help insomniacs to fall asleep, choline does help insomniacs to stay asleep.
This action of choline is attributable to its role as a precursor for acetylcholine, the brain chemical that helps maintain sleep.
Acetylcholine helps to maintain sleep. It controls the amount of sensory input that reaches the brain during sleep and increases the stimulus barrier (increasing the threshold of sensory inputs before waking occurs) during sleep.
When you have satisfactory amounts of acetylcholine, you will stay asleep in spite of the common night disturbances like minor noises, lights, partners tossing, etc. And if your sleep is easily interrupted by such small incidences, than likely your acetylcholine levels are rather low.
Supplemental choline helps to restore the optimum levels of this brain molecule.
Apart relieving your sleep problems, Choline will help you to be more focused, alert and clear-headed, with your memory capability expanded.
With acetylcholine being the primal brain chemical responsible for memory and learning, choline, as its precursor, should be considered a first line therapy for any disease where these functions are impaired. By the same token, if you want a number of extra boost for your mental energy, choline is a product number one to think of.
The potency and efficiency of choline are so pronounced, that it is used in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease and age related mental retardation!
In the treatment of depression this nutrient had been proven effective to ease the manic period of the bipolar depressive disorder.
There is certain evidence for the effectiveness of this nutrient in the cure of anxiety as well.
Choline is also used in the treatment of liver disorders, glaucoma and atherosclerosis. This nutrient increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol.
How does Choline work?
Choline is a precursor for brain chemical acetylcholine and a structural ingredient of neuronal membranes, building material for nerve cells and receptor sites for brain chemicals. Thus it helps boost memory and other mental functions, and also maintain the health of brain cells and the transmission of nerve impulses.
Dangers of Choline deficiency
The primal risk of choline insufficiency is memory decline, and, in more grave cases, Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia.
Choline insufficiency may as well lead to chronic fatigue, insomnia, nerve-muscle imbalances, liver problems, raised cholesterol levels, hypertension, kidney and cardio-vascular problems.
Choline deficiency can also be a cause of the deficiency of vitamin B9, which is vitally important for health.
Dietary sources
The foods high in choline are fish, liver, eggs, soya beans, nuts and legumes.
Complementary supplements
Vitamins B1, B5, B12, vitamin C are required for the right metabolism of choline.
Availability and dosage
Take 300-600mg of choline a day. Alternatively, you may consider taking CDP-choline, which is a more potent form of choline. Of this you'll need only 250mg per day.
Side effects and precautions:
Choline is generally very safe to take. Mild gastrointestinal distress is possible at higher doses.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is given for educational purposes only. Thorough health assessment done by a health care professional is necessary before deciding to take any of the supplements mentioned.
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