Choline

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    Last Updated: April 18, 2024

    Choline is an essential nutrient present mainly in animal foods like eggs, meat, poultry, and dairy. Choline is the precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. During pregnancy, choline is crucial for healthy fetal neurodevelopment, and higher choline intakes are associated with better cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and skeletal muscle function.

    Overview

    Dosage information

    The adequate intake (AI) for choline is 550 mg per day for men and 425 mg per day for women. The AI for choline increases during pregnancy (450 mg per day) and lactation (550 mg per day).

    The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for choline from food and supplements is 3,500 mg per day for men and women. The UL is 1,000 mg per day for children 1–8 years old, 2,000 mg per day for children 9–13, and 3,000 mg per day for children 14–18 years old.[1]

    Examine Database: Choline

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Examine Database References

    1. Training Volume - Spector SA, Jackman MR, Sabounjian LA, Sakkas C, Landers DM, Willis WTEffect of choline supplementation on fatigue in trained cyclistsMed Sci Sports Exerc.(1995 May)
    2. Cognition - Deuster PA, Singh A, Coll R, Hyde DE, Becker WJCholine ingestion does not modify physical or cognitive performanceMil Med.(2002 Dec)
    3. Rating of Perceived Exertion - Warber JP, Patton JF, Tharion WJ, Zeisel SH, Mello RP, Kemnitz CP, Lieberman HRThe effects of choline supplementation on physical performanceInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2000 Jun)