Choline is a nutritional compound that is vitamin-like in its composition. Often it is called vitamin B4. It got its name from the Greek word, which translates as "bile." The fact is that a certain amount of choline can be produced by the liver itself.
The functions of choline in the human body
This substance was first recognized as significant for humans in 1998. Vitamin B4 (choline) has a membrane-protective property, that is, it helps to preserve the cell membrane, ensuring their normal functioning. The walls of nerve cells are moist and oily. Choline helps maintain their proper consistency. Without it, cholesterol is oxidized and forms compounds with dead protein cells. This leads to the formation of seals: the nerve cell does not receive the necessary nutrients and dies. An important property of choline is a decrease in blood cholesterol. It also positively affects the nervous system, exerting an antidepressant effect: in the process of metabolism, choline produces fibers with the ability to transmit nerve impulses. At the right time, the mechanisms are triggered and hormones are formed that positively affect the performance of the brain and the general condition of the person.
Vitamin B4 Products
The largest amount of this substance is found in egg yolk. Choline is a part of lipoproteins (therefore, it is found in large quantities in oils). So,
peanut butter and animal liver have a high content of choline. It is also in dairy products (in particular, in cheese and cottage cheese).
And now let's briefly consider the question of what is the beneficial effect of choline on the human body.
The cardiovascular system
Choline well balances the amount of harmful and beneficial cholesterol in the human body, tipping the scales to the side of the second. Thanks to this, it is a good tool in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Nervous system
This vitamin has a relaxing and calming effect. Choline allows you to fight the signs of depression. The fact is that it prevents the destruction of the protective membrane of nerve cells (myelin). Thanks to which it allows the nervous system to remain in order for a long time. Doctors also note that choline activates the brain and improves memory. The experiments showed that after the use of choline by a group of subjects, their memory and quickness improved. A positive effect of choline on the fetus is also noted. Being in the womb, the child cannot produce choline. However, this substance contributes to the formation of higher mental abilities.
Digestive system
Choline is a good hepatoprotector. It allows the liver cells to recover faster after various toxic effects, including alcohol and drugs. In addition, choline prevents the formation of stones in the gallbladder and the excessive formation of bile. The undoubted advantage of choline is its ability to dissolve fats with the help of enzymes. It helps to avoid liver dystrophy in obesity and can help in losing weight. Also, thanks to vitamin B4, fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K) are better absorbed in the human body.
Reproductive value
Choline is one of the substances involved in human reproduction. It increases sperm activity. In addition, due to choline, it reduces the risk of prostate inflammation.
Choline-containing preparations
In pharmacies, you can find a number of items whose active ingredient is choline. First of all, these are drugs such as Choline Chloride, Choline Alfoscerate, as well as Choline-Borimed, Cerepro, Gliatelin. Each of these drugs has its own focus. So, the drug "Choline chloride" is prescribed for acute and chronic liver diseases, alcoholism or injuries. The drug "Choline alfoscerate" and its analogues ("Cerepro" and "Gliatelin") are antipsychotics and are prescribed for brain injuries. To replenish the required amount of choline in a healthy body, you can simply contact the pharmacy with a request to give Vitamin B4 (for example, Vitrum Beauty, Duovit Memo, where the content of vitamin B4 is sufficient to fill the daily requirement). Choline is also prescribed for children. The daily requirement for an adult is 5-6 g, for a child - 4 g.
Assimilation of choline
Getting through the stomach, choline begins to be absorbed in the intestine along its entire length. Then, with the help of other substances, most often lecithin, it enters the blood and liver. As noted above, choline is a substance that can be synthesized in the body itself. This occurs through amino acids and natural metabolism.
Signs of Hypovitaminosis
By the following signs, you can determine the lack of choline in your body:
- irritability and excessive fatigue;
- sometimes insomnia, depression, state of apathy;
- pain in the liver, its malfunction;
- a sharp increase in weight;
- attacks of gastritis, heartburn, diarrhea after a fatty meal;
- in children, growth retardation;
- tinnitus, headaches often appear;
- blood circulation is disturbed;
- arrhythmia.
Features of the substance and the consequences of its shortage
It should be said that breast milk contains the daily norm of choline, which is necessary for an adult. The fact is that the baby’s brain develops very intensively, and vitamin B4 contributes to its normal development. New and new brain cells and nerve appendages are forming, and choline is the most important building material for the brain. Scientists arguing about whether nerve cells are restored in an adult are increasingly inclined to believe that choline can help them reborn. All you need is proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and foods containing large amounts of vitamin B4. Lack of choline in the body can lead to serious consequences. These include Alzheimer's disease, which manifests itself in the elderly. It is accompanied by memory loss and personality disorder. Researchers note that in the near future, most of the elderly will be exposed to it.