Signs of Choline deficiency in the body

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Do Van Manh - Emergency Medicine Doctor - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Choline was recognized as a must-have nutrient in 1998. Although the body can't make them, it's not enough, so we still need to get choline from our diet to avoid a deficiency.

1. What is Choline?

Choline is an essential nutrient, necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Although the liver can make a small amount, it is not enough, so we must get it through our diet.
Choline is a water-soluble organic compound that is neither a vitamin nor a mineral. However, it is often classified as a vitamin B complex due to its similarities with the group of B vitamins. In fact, choline supports many important functions of the body, including:
Maintaining cells: The body uses choline to produce fats that make up cell membranes. DNA synthesis: Choline along with other nutrients like folate and vitamin B-12 have an impact on gene expression in the body Metabolism: Choline helps with fat metabolism. Nervous system activity: The body converts choline into a neurotransmitter that affects nerves and plays a role in regulating automatic body functions, such as breathing and heart rate. Choline exists as a water-soluble and fat-soluble molecule. The body transports and absorbs choline differently depending on its form. The water-soluble choline molecules travel to the liver, where the body converts them into a type of fat called lecithin. Fat-soluble choline usually comes from dietary sources, so the body absorbs it in the digestive tract.

2. How much choline do you need?

The Institute of Medicine recommends an intake that is sufficient for most healthy people, helping them avoid the negative consequences of deficiency, such as liver damage. However, the amount required depends on the genetic makeup and sex of each person. In addition, determining the amount of choline is difficult because the presence of this substance in foods varies. Here are the suggested amounts of choline by different age groups
0–6 months: 125 mg daily 7-12 months: 150 mg daily 1–3 years: 200 mg daily 4–8 years: 250 mg daily 9–13 years: 375 mg daily 14–19 years: 400 mg daily for women and 550 mg daily for men Adult women: 425 mg daily Adult men: 550 mg daily Women lactation: recommended intake is 550mg per day Pregnant women: 930mg per day

3. Harm of choline deficiency

Choline deficiency is not good, especially can harm the liver. One small study in 57 adults found that 77% of men, 80% of postmenopausal women, and 44% of premenopausal women experienced liver or muscle damage after following a choline-deficient diet. Another study noted that 73% of postmenopausal women experience liver or muscle damage if they are choline deficient. However, these symptoms may disappear when choline intake is adequate.
Choline is especially important during pregnancy and a choline deficiency can increase the risk of neural tube defects in the unborn baby. In addition, a choline deficiency can also increase the risk of other pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight babies.
Choline deficiency can also contribute to the following health conditions:
Cardiovascular disease Neurological conditions Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Neural tube abnormalities Muscle damage

4. Subjects at risk of choline deficiency

Although choline deficiency is rare, it is particularly increased in certain groups of people as follows:
Endurance athletes: Choline levels decrease during long endurance exercises, such as running marathon. Heavy drinkers: Alcohol can increase choline requirements and increase the risk of deficiency, especially when intake is low. Postmenopausal women: The hormone estrogen plays a role in helping the body produce choline. But at menopause, estrogen levels tend to drop sharply, so they may be at greater risk for choline deficiency. Pregnant women: Choline needs increase during pregnancy because the fetus needs choline for growth. Choline is an essential nutrient that regulates important body functions, such as forming cell membranes and aiding communication between nerve cells. The body does not produce enough choline on its own, so people need to get it from food sources, such as meat, eggs, and vegetables.

Current scientific studies show that choline can improve memory, cognition and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. Choline supports brain development and growth in infants. Research has also shown that choline can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and birth defects.
Although the recommended intake of choline is relatively low (125–550 mg per day), most people do not get enough. Choline deficiency can cause muscle and liver disease, and contributes to cardiovascular disease, dementia, and neural tube abnormalities in infants.
It can be seen that choline plays an extremely important role in the development of the body, at any age we need to have the right amount of choline to avoid causing complications and affecting our health. Castle.
However, when you want to supplement choline in the form of functional foods, food sources or want to know what to eat for choline deficiency and signs of choline deficiency, you can consult a professional doctor to avoid excessive tolerance causing excess. choline.
If you need advice on a complete nutritional regimen, customers can go to Vinmec International General Hospital for a general health check and listen to the sharing from experienced doctors.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: medicalnewstoday.com - healthline.com