Choline Chloride

Choline is a major part of the polar head group of phosphatidylcholine and a major part of another membrane phospholipid, sphingomyelin, which are very important for maintenance of cell structure and function. Choline deficiency in cell culture causes apoptosis or programmed cell death. Betaine or trimethylglycine is derived from choline via an oxidation reaction. Acetylcholine is one of the major neurotransmitters and requires choline for its synthesis. Adequate acetylcholine levels in the brain are believed to be protective against certain types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Choline is also needed for gallbladder regulation, liver function and lecithin (a key lipid) formation. Choline also aids in fat and cholesterol metabolism and prevents excessive fat build up in the liver. Choline has been used to mitigate the effects of Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia. Choline deficiencies may result in excessive build-up of fat in the liver, high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, kidney and liver dysfunction and stunted growth.

Choline chloride is of very low acute oral toxicity. The oral LD50 in rats is determined to be between 3150 and 5000 mg/kg bw. Clinical symptoms after application are restlessness, increased frequency of respiration, hypoactivity, convulsions, ruffled coat, staggered gait and dyspnoea. Some animals have diarrhoea and at necropsy in the high dose groups in one study 3 out of 10 rats have inflamed lungs.