Choline (vitamin B4) plays a very important role in the body, especially in pregnant women. First of all, it participates in the development of the brain and nervous system in the fetus and - like folic acid - prevents its defects, and in later life is responsible for its proper functioning. What else does choline play in the body? What are the sources of its occurrence? What are the symptoms and effects of a deficiency or excess?

Cholineis otherwisevitamin B4 . In the human body, choline is mainly found in phospholipids such as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) and sphingomyelin. Lecithin accounts for over 50 percent. phospholipids that play an important role in the functioning of cell membranes, including nerve cells. In turn, sphingomyelin is the main component of myelin (the sheath of nerve fibers).

Choline (vitamin B4) - action. What functions does choline play in the body?

Choline is involved in creating and maintaining a normal cell structure, controlling muscle function, respiratory system, heart function and memory-related brain function. Research shows that choline improves long-term memory. Some specialists argue that a diet containing a large amount of available choline (egg diet) may reduce the risk of dementia, dementia characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Choline also assigns a role in reducing the risk of developing cancer.

In addition, choline is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism. It also positively influences the work of the liver. It is especially recommended in states of liver overload due to the use of an incorrect, hard-to-digest diet, alcohol or medications.

Choline (vitamin B4) important for pregnant women and their baby

Vitamin B4 is also important in the diet of pregnant and breastfeeding women because:

  • supports the development of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) of the fetus and the newborn
  • reduces the risk of birth defects
  • improves blood flow in the placenta and minimizes the possibility of pre-eclampsia
  • supports the transport of nutrients through the placenta
  • reduces the risk of type II diabetes and high blood pressure in a child

Most pregnant women are deficient in choline. This substanceeightfold reduces the risk of Down syndrome and autism in children

Source: biznes.newseria.pl

Choline - tablets. Where to buy, what is the price?

Choline can be purchased in pharmacies, either as a separate substance or as a component of a complex preparation. Among other things, this (and the number of tablets) determines its price, which usually ranges from 15 to even 100 PLN per package.

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Choline (vitamin B4) - effects and symptoms of deficiency and excess

Choline deficiencies lead to an excessive accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver, and further to fatty liver.

The demand for choline increases in cases of frequent irritation and increased nervous tension and in the case of alcohol abuse.

Deficiency of this vitamin can also cause:

  • anxiety
  • heart problems
  • headaches
  • constipation

On the other hand, in pregnant women, choline deficiency can lead to the development of central nervous system defects in a child, weakening of the immune system and impaired intellectual development later in life.

In turn, excessive consumption of choline can also cause:

  • drop in blood pressure
  • sweating
  • feeling sick
  • diarrhea

Choline (vitamin B4) - sources of occurrence

The main sources of choline are the liver (and other offal) and egg yolk - one egg contains as much as 280 mg of choline, mainly in the form of phosphatidylcholine². Restricting egg consumption for fear of excess dietary cholesterol leads to choline deficiency.

Choline is also present in cattle meat, wheat germ and dry legume seeds, nuts and fish.

What is choline and how does it affect the he alth of a future mother and her baby? Prof. Romuald Dębski, gynecologist, obstetrician

Source: x-news / Dzień Dobry TVN

Worth knowing

Choline (vitamin B4) - dosage

Choline norms set at the level of sufficient intake (AI):

  • infants - 125-150 mg
  • children: from 1 to 3 years of age - 200 mg; from 4 to 9 years of age - 250 mg
  • boys: from 10 to 12 years old - 375 mg; from 13 to 18 years of age - 550 mg
  • girls - from 10 to 12 years old - 375 mg; from 13 to 18 years of age - 400 mg
  • men: 550 mg
  • women: 425 mg
  • pregnant women: 450 mg
  • nursing women - 550 mg

Source: Nutrition standards for the Polish population -amendment, Food and Nutrition Institute, Warsaw 2012

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