Choline
Also known as alpha-gpc, cdp-choline, choline bitartrate, choline chloride
Key takeaways
- Choline is essential for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and betaine, with deficiency negatively impacting the liver, brain, and muscles (PMID: 33668062).
- Different choline supplements exhibit varying metabolic pathways in adult volunteers (PMID: 36840817).
- Dietary and supplementary betaine (a choline metabolite) can influence homocysteine concentrations in males (PMID: 19346114).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 28 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Choline is an essential nutrient critical for brain function, liver health, and membrane synthesis. Research indicates it plays a key role in cognitive function and metabolic homeostasis, though most clinical evidence focuses on nutrient absorption and deficiency prevention rather than therapeutic treatment.
By condition
Cognitive Function
Weak
Some evidence suggests an association between betaine/choline metabolites and cognitive function in elderly populations, but results are not definitive.
Preterm Infant Development
Moderate
Choline is essential for parenchyma formation and brain development in preterm infants, with studies focusing on the metabolism of labeled choline compounds.
Schizophrenia
Weak
Meta-analysis suggests differences in choline-containing compounds in treatment-resistant versus responsive schizophrenia patients.
Effective doses
Adequate Intake (AI) for adult males (19-50) is listed as 550 mg/day per IOM guidelines.
Safety & interactions
Generally safe as an essential nutrient; however, specific safety data from the provided sources is limited to regulatory intake guidelines.
Limitations
Much of the available research focuses on pharmacokinetic metabolism and nutrient intake levels rather than large-scale clinical efficacy for specific diseases.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM · Dietary Reference Intakes: Choline
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Top-rated Choline products
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How it's sold
Data aggregated from 334 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 28 sources, sorted by quality
**Smucny et al., 2024** | Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging | Meta Analysis Smucny Jason, Carter Cameron S, Maddock Richard J. Greater Choline-Containing Compounds and Myo-inositol in Treatment-Resistant Versus Responsive Schizophr…
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is a key mechanism in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and in counteracting toxic exposures to pesticides and nerve agents. However, accurately ranking the potency of covalently binding AChE…
BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a disorder that presents with chronic dyspepsia, which is not only very common but also highly affects quality of life of the patients. In Japan, FD became a disease name for national insurance in 20…
**Authority**: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) **Claim Type**: art13.1 **Substance**: choline **DOI**: 10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2056 **URL**: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2056
**Curioni et al., 2022** | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis Curioni Cintia C, Mocellin Michel C, ... André Charles. Effectiveness of nutritional interventions to prevent nonprogressive congenital and perinatal brain injuries: a systematic review an…
BACKGROUND: Choline deficiency has numerous negative health consequences; although the preponderance of the US population consumes less than the recommended Adequate Intake (AI), clinical assessment of choline status is difficult. Further, …
BACKGROUND: Choline is an essential nutrient, and insufficient intake negatively affects the liver, brain, and muscles. In the United States, habitual choline intake remains below the adequate intake (AI). To date, no circulating metabolite…
**Sylvia et al., 2013** | Psychother Psychosom | Systematic Review Sylvia Louisa G, Peters Amy T, ... Nierenberg Andrew A. Nutrient-based therapies for bipolar disorder: a systematic review. Psychother Psychosom. 2013;82(1):10-9. doi:10.115…
**Eussen et al., 2007** | Br J Nutr | Rct Eussen Simone J P M, Ueland Per M, ... de Groot Lisette C P G M. The association of betaine, homocysteine and related metabolites with cognitive function in Dutch elderly people. Br J Nutr. 2007-Nov…
BACKGROUND: Adequate intake of choline is essential for growth and homeostasis, but its supply does often not meet requirements. Choline deficiency decreases phosphatidylcholine (PC) and betaine synthesis, resulting in organ pathology, espe…
Frequently asked questions
What is choline and why is it important?
Choline is an essential nutrient critical for brain function, liver health, and the synthesis of cell membranes. It plays a key role in cognitive function and metabolic homeostasis, and deficiency can negatively impact the liver, brain, and muscles.
Does choline help with cognitive function or memory?
Evidence for choline's effect on cognitive function is weak, with some studies suggesting an association between choline metabolites and cognition in elderly populations, but results are not definitive. Research is limited, so it is not considered a proven treatment for cognitive decline.
What is the recommended daily dose of choline for adults?
The Adequate Intake (AI) for adult males aged 19-50 is 550 mg per day according to IOM guidelines. Different choline supplements may exhibit varying metabolic pathways, so individual needs can vary.
Is choline safe for pregnant women or preterm infants?
Choline is essential for brain development and parenchyma formation in preterm infants, showing moderate evidence for this specific use. However, specific safety data for pregnant women is limited to general regulatory guidelines, so pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
Does choline interact with any medications?
No drug interactions have been documented for choline in the provided evidence. However, because specific safety data is limited to regulatory intake guidelines, you should always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Can choline help with schizophrenia?
Evidence regarding choline for schizophrenia is weak, with meta-analyses suggesting differences in choline-containing compounds between treatment-resistant and responsive patients. Research is mixed and limited, so it should not replace prescribed medication.
Who should avoid taking choline supplements?
While generally safe as an essential nutrient, specific safety data is limited. Individuals with schizophrenia or those who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before use, as evidence for therapeutic benefits is weak or specific to certain developmental stages.