The Choline Brain Boost

Only ten years ago, mainstream nutritional experts believed that lecithin and choline supplementation served no nutritional purpose. There were no known deficiency diseases associated with these substances, and the body seemed to manufacture whatever amount was needed. However, conventional wisdom frequently changes, and the experts are now realizing that all nutrients not only prevent deficiency diseases, but, in sufficient quantities, they optimize health and limit the risk of chronic disease. Choline and lecithin are no exception.

Research now indicates that choline, and its main dietary source, lecithin, are crucial for the health of the heart, liver, and reproductive processes. Animal studies also have shown that lecithin and choline can improve learning and memory. For example, when pregnant rats were fed choline, their pups scored significantly better in maze tests than those whose mothers did not receive the nutrient. In a study of healthy elderly people, those given lecithin performed better on memory tests and reported fewer memory lapses that those not taking lecithin.

Choline appears to be helpful with emotional problems, as well. Six patients with bipolar depression, who had failed to respond to lithium and other medications, took choline supplements. Five of the six patients experienced a marked reduction in manic symptoms, and four had improvement in all mood symptoms. Researchers found that supplementation increased the concentration of choline-containing compounds in the brain in those who responded to treatment.

Fat is now on the expert's lists as the number one dietary villain, but the movement to cut back on fatty foods such as fatty meats, organ meats and eggs also reduces our lecithin intake. Other foods, such as grains, vegetables and fruits, are not especially rich in this substance. The anti-fat trend worries some scientists, because they fear that, as a result ,we are not getting adequate levels of lecithin and choline.   Based on information in: Nutrition Science News, Oct 1997; Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, Nov 1997