Choline is an essential nutrient for us. Our liver produces some of it, but not enough.
So, we need to get more of it from the food we eat.
Foods like eggs, broccoli, beans, and meat are good sources of choline.
The Problem: We’re Not Eating Enough Choline
Researchers at Arizona State University have found that most of us aren’t getting enough choline in our diets.
More than 90% of Americans are not meeting the recommended daily intake of this vital nutrient.
The Impact: Choline Deficiency Harms Our Bodies
When we don’t get enough choline, it can harm our bodies. This deficiency can negatively affect our heart, liver, and other organs.
Moreover, it may also be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that affects memory and thinking.
The Connection: Choline and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by two main changes in the brain. These changes involve the build-up of plaques and tangles in the brain cells.
Researchers found that these changes were more pronounced in mice deprived of dietary choline.
Not only that, but the choline-deficient mice also showed signs of liver damage and heart enlargement, which are commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
The Complications: Choline Deficiency and Weight Gain
The study also found that choline deficiency led to weight gain in mice.
The mice also showed changes in how their bodies processed sugar, similar to what is seen in conditions like diabetes. They also had problems with their motor skills.
The Solution: More Choline for Better Health
The researchers believe that increasing our choline intake could help prevent these health problems.
Back in 1998, the Institute of Medicine set a daily intake recommendation for choline. However, the researchers think that this amount may not be enough, especially for brain-related functions.
So, it seems like we need to pay more attention to our choline intake. Not only can it keep our bodies healthy, but it could also keep our brains sharp and help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s.
If you want to learn more about nutrition, check out other studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease or how vitamin D supplements can reduce cancer deaths.
The study was led by Ramon Velazquez and published in Aging Cell.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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