Title:An Introduction to the Nutrition and Metabolism of Choline
VOLUME: 12 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Clarie B. Hollenbeck
Affiliation:Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95, USA.
Keywords:Choline, choline derivatives, nutrition and metabolism, deficiency and toxicity, chronic disease, methionine cycle, riboflavin, vitamin B6, glycerophosphocholine
Abstract:Choline is a ubiquitous water soluble nutrient, often associated with the B vitamins; however, not yet officially
defined as a B vitamin. It is important in the synthesis of phospholipid components of cell membranes, and plasma
lipoproteins, providing structural integrity as well as being important in cell signaling; it is also important in the synthesis
of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and the oxidized form of choline, glycine betaine, serves as an important methyl
donor in the methionine cycle. It is present in a wide variety of foods, and is endogenously synthesized in humans through
the sequential methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine. The present article represents an introduction to the nutrition,
metabolism, and physiological functions of choline and choline derivatives in humans. The association of choline and
choline derivatives in risk of chronic disease, including: neural tube defects, coronary artery disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s
disease, dementia, and memory, and cystic fibrosis is reviewed.
