Editing Choline (section)

==Choline as a nutrient==
Choline is widespread in living beings. In most animals, choline phospholipids are necessary components in [[cell membrane]]s, in the membranes of cell [[organelle]]s, and in [[very low-density lipoprotein]]s.<ref name="lpi"/>

Choline is an [[essential nutrient]] for humans and many other animals.<ref name="lpi"/> Humans are capable of some [[de novo synthesis|''de novo'' synthesis]] of choline but require additional choline in the diet to maintain health. Dietary requirements can be met by choline by itself or in the form of choline [[phospholipid]]s, such as [[phosphatidylcholine]].<ref name=lpi/> Choline is not formally classified as a [[vitamin]] despite being an essential nutrient with an [[amino acid]]–like structure and metabolism.<ref name=ze/>

Choline is required to produce [[acetylcholine]] – a [[neurotransmitter]] – and [[S-adenosyl methionine|''S''-adenosylmethionine]] (SAM), a universal [[methyl]] donor. Upon methylation SAM is transformed into [[S-adenosyl homocysteine]].<ref name="lpi" />

Symptomatic choline deficiency causes [[non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]] and muscle damage.<ref name=lpi/><ref name="Kenny2025">{{Cite journal |vauthors=Kenny TC, Scharenberg S, Abu-Remaileh M, Birsoy K |date=2025-01-08 |title=Cellular and organismal function of choline metabolism |journal=Nature Metabolism |language=en |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=35–52 |doi=10.1038/s42255-024-01203-8 |issn=2522-5812 |pmid=39779890 |quote=Choline is a critical nutrient for development during gestation and early life, particularly for the formation and maturation of the nervous system. (...) gestational choline insufficiency is strongly associated with neural tube defects, notably mirroring the developmental pathologies observed in folate insufficiency. (...) additionally been linked to non-neurological developmental abnormalities including cleft lip, hypospadias, heart abnormalities and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. (...) Choline intake was recently discovered to be a potential modifier of dementia risk in AD progression. (...) highlights the importance of the cholinergic neurotransmission in memory, learning and, ultimately, in the development of AD pathology. (...) there is impressive plasticity in satisfying choline requirements at the organismal level as well. While a completely choline-free diet eventually results in NAFLD and muscle damage, diets that do not meet the NIH adequate intake are rarely associated with clinical symptoms in otherwise healthy adults, suggesting the human body is highly capable of adapting to reduced choline availability.}}</ref> Excessive consumption of choline (greater than 7.5 grams per day) can cause [[low blood pressure]], [[sweating]], [[diarrhea]], and [[Fish-odor disease|fish-like body smell]] due to [[trimethylamine]], which forms in the metabolism of choline.<ref name=lpi/><ref name=eu/> Rich dietary sources of choline and choline phospholipids include [[organ meats]], [[egg yolks]], [[dairy products]], [[peanut]]s, certain [[beans]], [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]] and [[seeds]]. [[Vegetables]] with [[pasta]] and [[rice]] also contribute to choline intake in the [[American diet]].<ref name=lpi/><ref name=ods/>