Choline is a nutrient that our bodies need to stay healthy. While the liver can make a small amount, we get most of it from food.
Choline is found in eggs, broccoli, beans, meat, poultry, and some other foods. It is important for many body functions, including brain health, muscle control, and liver function.
Researchers at Arizona State University wanted to understand what happens to the body when it does not get enough choline. They were especially interested in whether a lack of choline could be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that causes memory loss and other problems with thinking.
Their study, done with mice, showed that not eating enough choline can be very harmful. Mice without enough choline developed damage to the liver, an enlarged heart, and changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
In Alzheimer’s, two main things happen in the brain: sticky clumps called amyloid plaques build up between brain cells, and twisted strands called tau tangles form inside the cells. Both of these changes damage neurons and make it harder for the brain to work properly.
In this study, even mice that were already genetically likely to develop Alzheimer’s got worse when they did not have enough choline. They showed more brain changes connected to the disease.
The choline-deficient mice also gained a lot of weight, had changes in blood sugar levels that could lead to diabetes, and showed poorer motor skills, meaning they had more trouble with movement and coordination.
This is important because many people do not get enough choline from their diet. The Institute of Medicine set recommendations for daily choline intake back in 1998, but some recent research suggests that even those levels might not be enough for the best brain health.
People who eat mostly plant-based diets may be at higher risk of low choline because many good sources, like eggs, meat, and poultry, are animal-based. Still, there are plant-based foods that can help, such as soybeans, Brussels sprouts, and certain nuts. Choline supplements, which are affordable and easy to find, could also help people meet their needs.
Keeping your choline intake at a healthy level could protect your liver, heart, and brain, and might lower your risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s. This study adds to other research showing how nutrients affect our long-term health.
For example, some studies have found that taking vitamins at the right time could help prevent heart disease, vitamin D supplements may lower the risk of dying from cancer, certain plant nutrients may help reduce high blood pressure, and antioxidants might lower the risk of dementia.
The research team, led by Ramon Velazquez, published their work in the journal Aging Cell. It’s a reminder that simple changes to our diet can make a big difference in how we feel now and in the future.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about These places in U.S. have the most cases of Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Scientists confirm the link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about New Alzheimer’s treatment: anti-inflammatory drug may prevent memory loss and findings of The diabetes drug surprise: a possible shield against Alzheimer’s?
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
