Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in overall health. While the liver produces small amounts of it, most of the choline we need comes from food. It is found in eggs, meat, poultry, beans, and vegetables like broccoli.
A recent study from Arizona State University suggests that not getting enough choline in the diet may have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers found that a lack of dietary choline can negatively impact several organs, including the heart and liver. It may also contribute to brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s.
Specifically, they observed an increase in two well-known markers of the disease: amyloid plaques, which form between brain cells, and tau tangles, which accumulate inside neurons. Both of these abnormalities are associated with memory loss and cognitive decline.
To better understand the effects of choline deficiency, scientists studied two groups of mice. One group consisted of normal mice that were fed a diet lacking choline, while the other group included genetically modified mice that were already prone to Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.
In both cases, a choline-deficient diet led to liver damage, an enlarged heart, and neurological changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s patients.
Additionally, the study found that a lack of choline caused the mice to gain significant weight and develop blood sugar imbalances, which are risk factors for conditions like diabetes. The mice also showed problems with movement and motor skills, suggesting that choline is important for both physical and brain health.
The findings raise concerns for humans as well. Many people do not consume enough choline in their daily diet, according to the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations. Worse, some studies suggest that even these recommended amounts may not be enough for optimal brain function.
This is especially important for people following plant-based diets, as choline-rich foods like eggs and meat are often missing from their meals. However, plant-based sources such as soybeans, Brussels sprouts, and certain nuts can help boost choline intake.
The researchers suggest that increasing choline consumption could be an easy and affordable way to protect brain health and support overall well-being. For those who struggle to get enough from food, choline supplements are widely available and could be beneficial, especially in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The study, led by Ramon Velazquez, was published in Aging Cell.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
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