6 Choline

Question 1

Choline deficiency

Answer 1

Cells die
Fatty liver (build up of cholesterol)
Liver dysfunction

• rare, can be synthesized and in variety of foods

Question 2

Choline role

Answer 2

serves as methyl group donor

Question 3

Choline synthesized from

Answer 3

methionine
- still considered essential

Methionine –> S-adenosyl methionine –> choline

Question 4

Choline structure

Answer 4

small and unique

N+ at center

Question 5

Choline synthesized to 3

Answer 5

phosphotidylcholine
acetylcholine
betaine

Question 6

Choline metabolic role as precursor for ‘phosphotidylcholine’

Answer 6

phospholipid 
essential part of cell membranes
membrane structure/fluidity
lipid transport
lipoproteins

Question 7

Choline metabolic role as precursor for Acetylcholine

Answer 7

neurotransmitter

muscle control/memory

Question 8

Choline metabolic role as precursor for Betaine

Answer 8

methyl donor
*** needed to convert Hcy to Met

inter-relationship among choline, folate, methionine and B12

Question 9

Choline food sources

Answer 9

ALL natural fats

-egg yolk, organ meats, peanuts, soybeans, wheat germ

Question 10

Choline occurs in food as

Answer 10

phosphotidylcholine (**Lecithin - general term for natural fats in food)

Question 11

Choline and cognitive function

Answer 11

Increase brain concentration stimulates synthesis of “acetylcholine”

Rats

• early intake, diminish memory loss when older
• mothers intake of unborn rats improves their memory

Humans

• Alzheimers associated with low acetylcholine
• more research needed

*** importance varies during life stage

Question 12

Choline and CVD

Answer 12

Choline / betaine
- ‘could’ lower homocysteine

Phosphotidylcholine

• Lecithin cholesterols acyl transferase LCAT
• reverse cholesterol transport

Question 13

Choline and cancer

Answer 13

Deficiency associated increase liver cancer and sensitivity to carcinogens
- Decreased DNA methylation

• No human studies