Choline - Dietary Supplements
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| Introduction |
Choline is a water soluble B vitamin that can be produced in the body. However, it is often produced in insufficient quantities, making it necessary for humans to get choline from the diet or through supplementation. Choline is mainly involved in activities related to the brain and nervous system. A new form of choline supplement, CDP-choline, may be more effective at treating various neurological and nervous disorders than traditional choline supplements.
In the diet, the best source of choline is egg yolk. Other good sources include organ meats, wheat germ, soybeans, peanuts, and legumes.
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| Dosage Range |
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150mg - 3500mg daily.
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| Most Common Dosage |
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300mg, 3 times a day.
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| Dosage Forms |
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Tablets, capsules, liquid, and powder.
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| Reported Uses |
Because it is involved in neurological function, choline can influence movement, coordination, and muscle contractions. Choline also plays a critical role in higher level brain functions like thought, memory, and intellect. Elsewhere in the body, choline is important for the structural integrity of cell walls, the metabolism of fat, and the production of amino acids and proteins. Choline decreases homocysteine levels reducing the risk of a number of diseases.( 1)
In addition to having the potential ability to enhance memory, choline may also be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.(2) Studies suggest that it may improve cognitive function and enhance the effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatments for the disease.(3),(4),(5) Choline may also improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.(6),(7)
Choline may also enhance the effectiveness of lithium in the treatment of manic depression.(8),(9) Patients with a nervous disorder known as tardive dyskenesia may also respond to treatment with choline.(10) |
| Toxicities & Precautions |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| Introduction |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| General |
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This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
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| Side Effects |
Occasional side effects reported with large doses of this dietary supplement include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. It can also produce an unpleasant "fishy" odor.( 11) It may be necessary to reduce the dose of this dietary supplement. Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. |
| Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Proper nutrition is essential during pregnancy for the healthy development of the fetus. Numerous vitamins and minerals are a vital part of proper nutrition. If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast-feeding an infant, talk to your healthcare professional about supplementing your diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals.
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| Age Limitations |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of proper growth and development. Talk to your healthcare professional about the appropriate use of vitamins and minerals in children. Do not use any vitamin or mineral in children under 2 years of age unless first discussed with your healthcare professional.
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References
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.