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Choline - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Choline

Generic Name : Choline
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Choline are provided here.

Pronunciation : Ch-O-line

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Choline, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Therapeutic Classification : Dietary Supplements

Trade Names/Brand Names of Choline

India :

Overview of Choline

• Choline is a water-soluble essential nutrient produced in the liver in humans.
• It is naturally present in some foods and also available as a dietary supplement.

Why is Choline Prescribed? (Indications)

Choline is prescribed to pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in offspring. It is used as a supplement in infant formulas to promote brain growth and intelligence.
Choline may help reduce the severity and the number of asthma attacks. There is some evidence that higher doses (3 g per day for adults) work better than lower doses.

Since choline deficiency causes muscle damage and abnormal deposition of fat in the liver, which results in a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, it could possibly be used to treat the condition.

Choline is consumed by athletes for bodybuilding and to delay fatigue in endurance sports.
Choline’s other benefits include treatment of depression and memory loss.
Choline could prevent cancer, and help in lowering cholesterol.

Although humans can synthesize choline in small amounts, it must be consumed in the diet to maintain health. Most of the body's choline is found in specialized fat molecules known as phospholipids, the most common of which is called phosphatidylcholine. It is found in foods like meat, eggs, poultry, fish, dairy products, potatoes, cruciferous vegetables, some bean, nuts and seeds.

When should Choline not be taken? (Contraindications)

• Choline is contraindicated if the patients are allergic to the supplement or the foods that contain choline.

What is the dosage of Choline?

• The recommended adequate intake (AI) dosage of choline per day is as follows:

Men – 550 mg
Women – 425 mg
Pregnant women – 450 mg
Breast feeding women – 550 mg
Infants and babies - 125- 150 mg
Children 1-3 years - 200 mg per day; 4-8 years - 250 mg per day; 9-13 years - 375 mg per day

• The Daily Upper Intake Levels (UL) fixed for the various groups are :

1 gram daily for children 1-8 years, 2 grams for children 9-13 years, 3 grams for children 14-18 years, and 3.5 grams for adults over 18 years of age.

How should Choline be taken?

• One Capsule of choline should be taken before breakfast or lunch.

What are the warnings and precautions for Choline?

• Choline should be consumed at appropriate doses and not higher than the Daily Upper Intake Levels to prevent side effects in all the groups.

What are the side effects of Choline?

• Choline taken at doses higher than the Daily Upper Intake Levels might cause sweating, a fishy body odor, blood pressure lowering, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and vomiting.

What are the other precautions for Choline?

• Caution should be taken while taking choline while you are pregnant.

What are the Drug Interactions of Choline?

• There is no known drug interaction with choline.

What are the storage conditions for Choline?

• Choline should be stored at room temperature.
• Keep it out of reach from children.
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