Choline Deficiency
Article navigation
Groups at risk of choline deficiency
There are no known groups of people who are at risk of choline deficiency. The following people may be the only ones at risk of choline deficiency in the rare occasions that it does occur:
- People with Alzheimer's disease
Research shows that people with Alzheimer's disease have much lower levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (adequate intakes of choline are required to enable the creation of this neurotransmitter) than people without this condition. While it is not know if choline deficiency may cause this condition, it certainly does not help having low levels of choline, as it is so vital in the functioning of the brain through its function as enabling the creation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. - People with fatty liver
People that have fatty liver may have low levels of choline as sufficient intake of choline is required to prevent this condition. - People with high homocysteine levels
The substance homocysteine (an amino acid by-product), is created by various natural metabolic processes in the body. Homocysteine is a substance which is detrimental to heart health, as high levels of homocysteine are implicated as being a high risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Choline enables the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, a harmless and actually a very beneficial amino acid which is not a threat to heart health at all. Low levels of choline may precipitate higher homocysteine levels, especially when there is also a deficiency in the other B vitamins too.Research shows that people with Alzheimer's disease have much lower levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Symptoms of choline deficiency
While choline deficiency symptoms have not been reported, the following are the symptoms that could occur with choline deficiency :
- Adrenal glands damage
- Elevated blood pressure
- Fatty liver
- Gastric ulcer
- Heart damage
- Kidney damage
- Liver cirrhosis
People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if choline supplementation is warranted in their individual situation.