Choline

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Image:Choline-skeletal.png Template:Tocright Choline is a nutrient, essential for cardiovascular and brain function, and for cellular membrane composition and repair.

Contents

Physiology

Choline and its metabolites are needed for three main physiological purposes: structural integrity and signaling roles for cell membranes, cholinergic neurotransmission (acetylcholine synthesis), and as a major source for methyl-groups via its metabolite, trimethylglycine that participates in the S-adenosylmethionine synthesis pathways.

When choline is metabolized by the body, it may form trimethylamine, a compound with a fishy odor. Hence, when large amounts of choline are taken (such as 10-16 grams/day as a dietary supplement), the person may suffer from a fishy body odor.

Chemistry

Choline is a quaternary saturated amine with the chemical formula

(CH3)3N+CH2CH2OHX.

where X is a counterion such as chloride (see choline chloride), hydroxide or tartrate.

History

Choline was discovered by Andreas Strecker in 1862 and chemically synthesized in 1866. In 1998 choline was classified as an essential nutrient by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (U.S.A.) and Adequate Intakes (AI) have been established.

External Reference

es:Colina fr:Choline lt:Cholinas nl:Choline