Choline, the Superhero Nutrient for Your Brain

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in human health. It is a water-soluble vitamin-like substance that is produced in small amounts in the liver and found in foods such as eggs, broccoli, beans, meat, and poultry. Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in memory and other brain activity. In this article, we will explore the benefits of choline and its role in brain metabolism.

Citicoline, also known as stabilized CDP Choline (cytidine 5’-diphosphocholine), is a naturally occurring intermediate involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine; a major constituent of the gray matter of brain tissue (30%). Citicoline consumption promotes brain metabolism by enhancing the synthesis of acetylcholine and restoring phospholipid content in the brain; both of which positively affect memory and other brain activity.

According to a study conducted by Arizona State University, choline is an essential nutrient that is critical to offset organ pathologies and may help protect the brain and potentially slow the natural onset of cognitive decline. The study suggests that dietary choline deficiency can have profound negative effects on the heart, liver, and other organs. Lack of adequate choline is also linked with profound changes in the brain associated with cognition and memory health.

Citicoline enhances cellular communication by increasing levels of neurotransmitters. The choline component of citicoline is used to create acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter in the human brain. Clinical trials have found that citicoline supplementation helps to improve focus and attention. Citicoline also enhances glucose metabolism and increases blood flow to the brain. Poor circulation to the brain can cause neurological problems, including memory loss, fatigue, and vertigo. Citicoline is so effective at increasing circulation to the brain that doctors throughout Europe have been prescribing it for this reason for years.

While many individuals can obtain sufficient choline from their diet, there are specific situations or conditions in which choline supplementation may be considered beneficial in everyday life–let's unpack a few of those details below:

1. Neurological Health: Choline supplementation has been suggested to support cognitive function, especially in aging. Studies have shown that choline supplementation can improve memory and attention in healthy adults. Choline is also involved in the synthesis of sphingomyelin, a component of myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers and helps them conduct electrical impulses.

2. Mood & Mental Health: Choline has been suggested to play a role in mood regulation and cognitive performance. According to Dr. Swart, choline can affect our memory, mood, and ability to problem-solve, think flexibly, regulate emotions, and manage stress. Choline is also believed to improve mood, and sleep, and shorten recovery times following exercise.

3. Inadequate Diets: For those with limited dietary choline sources, choline supplementation may be considered beneficial. Choline is found in various foods such as eggs, liver, beef, chicken, fish, broccoli, and cauliflower. However, many people do not consume enough choline through their diet alone which is where Procera Vital Choline can help—packed with nutrients and a clinically studied dose of Choline to shore up those deficiencies.

4. Liver Health: Choline is essential for liver health as it supports lipid metabolism and helps remove cholesterol from the liver. Choline helps your liver and muscles work correctly, and it is required to make fats that support the structural integrity of cell membranes. If there are long-term Choline deficiencies, those deficiencies can lead to liver damage, so talk to your doctor for an individualized review.

5. Methylation Support: Methylation is a process that is essential for various body functions such as gene expression, neurotransmitter production, detoxification, and processing of heavy metals like arsenic. Choline plays an important role in methylation by supporting the transfer of one carbon methyl group from one molecule to another. Betaine is best for supporting methylation, but when you use choline for methylation, you turn it into betaine first and use the betaine directly for that process.

6. Performance: Athletes seeking endurance and muscle benefits may benefit from choline supplementation. Studies have shown that choline supplementation can improve endurance performance by delaying fatigue during prolonged exercise. Choline also plays a role in muscle function by regulating calcium levels in muscle cells.

Procera has been the leading Brain Health Supplement Provider in the U.S. since 2005, our team of Researchers and Neuroscientists continue to pave the way with new and innovative products to address the growing concerns of age-related memory loss, as well as mood imbalances, cell function, and more. In addition, Procera has made it a mission to provide our customers with the most comprehensive line of products, not limiting itself to only hot-topic concerns like memory loss. So, check out Procera's newest product, Procera Vital Choline today!