CHOLINE

For A Healthy Liver

Choline is a member of the vitamin B group. The body can make Choline from methionine, an amino acid, with the aid of vitamin B12 and folic acid. 

Choline is a colourless, crystalline compound, which absorbs water quickly. It is highly soluble in water and alcohol. Water, sulphur drugs, food processing techniques, and alcohol destroy choline. Choline is absorbed from the intestine and excreted mostly through the urine.

Functions in the Body.

Choline helps in the transportation of fats in the body and prevents accumulation of fat in the liver. This vitamin works with inositol, another vitamin of the B group, to utilise fats and cholesterol. It goes directly into the brain cells to produce a chemical that aids memory.

Sources.

Choline is available in liberal quantities in fish and sea foods.

Deficiency Symptoms.

A prolonged deficiency of Choline may cause cirrhosis and the fatty degeneration of the liver, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Healing and Therapeutic Properties.

Oral administration of Choline, as well as lecithin, has been found to be effective in increasing serum Choline levels in human beings.

Nephritis. Choline has been found beneficial in the treatment of nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). 

High Blood Pressure. Studies show that in more than one-third of patients, the blood pressure dropped to normal, but not below normal, when administered adequate dosage of Choline.

Heart Disease. Choline, along with inositol, has been found beneficial in the treatment of heart disease. 

Precautions :

Oral administration of large quantities of Choline and lecithin produces adverse side-effects, including diarrhoea, nausea, salivation, and depression.