A study that has shown a link between the nutrient Choline and memory function, has found that a higher choline intake correlated well with better memory test results and fewer signs of dementia long term. The study, published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at 1391 individuals that were dementia free at the time, testing for neuropsychological factors, such as memory and learning, plus MRI results to ascertain brain volume of white matter. High volume of white matter is indicative of higher risk of dementia. Although the study’s leader, Rhonda Au of the Department of Neurology at Boston University’s Medical School, has stated that this may not be a conclusive link between choline and Alzheimers, the figures suggest that individuals with lower choline intakes may indicate a risk of mental decline.
So what is choline and how does it work for us? Choline is a nutrient that is closely associated with the B vitamins and has a major function as part of the phospholipids, phosphatidyl choline (sometimes known as lecithin) and sphingomyelin. Phosphatidyl choline is a major substance in our cell membranes and mice bred to show accelerated ageing showed improved the concentration of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, as well as reducing signs of dementia. This would indicate that choline has a role in cognitive processes, as it is thought to increase attention, which is defined as concentration and focus.
Choline is also required in the body for cell membrane integrity and signalling and as a component part of betaine that can reduce homocysteine in the body. It may also reduce the incidence of depression. Lack of choline in the diet was discovered to result in fatty liver (as choline helps transport fats into cells), as well as a haemorrhagic form of kidney necrosis. The recommended intake for choline is 425- 550mg per day for adults, but needs increase in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Foods that supply choline are liver, soy lecithin, wheat germ, kidney beans and eggs. Vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk of choline deficiency, as are individuals who overconsume alcohol on a regular basis. Although most athletes are fit, endurance athletes may also become low in choline if they do not monitor their intake.
The researchers are particularly interested in the role of choline as part of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, as well as the loss of cholinergic neurons (that is, those that use acetylcholine), as they have pointed out that these factors are associated with cognitive decline, memory loss and increased risk of Alzheimers. They also found fewer areas of ‘white-matter hyperintensity’ on the MRI scans of participants’ brains of those that had higher choline intake, which indicated fewer ischaemic areas of low blood flow. Although the researchers have stated that it is early days to say that choline categorically halts cognitive decline, the signs are promising.
Recommended reading:
CAN NATURAL B VITAMINS HELP PREVENT AGE-ONSET DISEASES LIKE ALZHEIMERS?
PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE - (Also known, in rather less concentrated forms, as “Lecithin”)
PHOSPHATIDYL SERINE by Dr. Lawrence G. Plaskett (B.A., PH.D., C.CHEM., F.R.I.C.)
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