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BeefFoodCiticoline (supplement)SupplementPhosphatidylcholine (supplement)Supplement
Ground beefFoodAlpha-GPC (supplement)SupplementLecithin (supplement)Supplement
SoybeansFoodPrenatal vitaminSupplement
Beef liverFood
ChickenFood
CodFood
EggsFoodCholine (supplement)Supplement
SalmonFood
Quail eggFood
Duck eggFood
Chicken liverFoodVitamin B complexSupplement
Choline
Emerging research
An essential nutrient related to the B vitamins, used in liver function, brain signaling, and cell membranes. Eggs, liver, fish, and soy are notable sources.
Often discussed in relation to
Commonly noted
- Commonly noted
- Choline is an essential nutrient, related to the B vitamins, that the body uses in liver function, brain and nerve signaling, and building cell membranes; the body makes some, but most people also get it from food such as eggs, meat, fish, and soy.
- Low intake
- Low choline intake is commonly discussed in relation to fatigue and, in some reports, fatty changes in the liver, though the body makes part of what it uses.
- Higher intake
- Very high choline from supplements is commonly discussed in relation to sweating, a fishy body odor, and digestive upset; the commonly cited upper intake level for adults is 3,500 mg a day.
Source: NIH ODS
Reference intakes
General reference figures for a typical adult, not a personal target.
- aiadult_female425 mgDRI/NASEM
- aiadult_male550 mgDRI/NASEM
- uladult3500 mgDRI/NASEM