Learn Glossary biochemistry

Choline

Quaternary amine and essential nutrient required for phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin synthesis, acetylcholine neurotransmission, and as a methyl donor (via betaine) in one-carbon metabolism.

AI is 550 mg/d men, 425 mg/d women, 450 mg/d in pregnancy. Most Americans do not meet the AI. Deficiency causes muscle damage and hepatic steatosis from impaired VLDL secretion. Endogenous synthesis via PEMT is estrogen-dependent, making postmenopausal women and individuals with PEMT polymorphisms more reliant on dietary intake. Gut microbiota convert choline to TMA, oxidized in liver to TMAO, a putative CVD risk biomarker.

How each textbook covers it

  • duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed.Ch 33: Choline

    AI is 550 mg/d men, 425 mg/d women, 450 mg/d in pregnancy. Most Americans do not meet the AI. Deficiency causes muscle damage and hepatic steatosis from impaired VLDL secretion. Endogenous synthesis via PEMT is estrogen-dependent, making postmenopausal women and individuals with PEMT polymorphisms more reliant on dietary intake. Gut microbiota convert choline to TMA, oxidized in liver to TMAO, a putative CVD risk biomarker.

Related terms

Betaine, One-carbon metabolism, Phosphatidylcholine, TMAO