Choline
& Inositol
DESCRIPTION:
The substances choline and inositol
are sometimes loosely classified as "B complex
factors" but they are not in fact true vitamins because
they can be made in the body.
STABILITY
Choline and inositol are stable.
FUNCTIONS:
Cell Structure:
Choline and inositol are components of various phospholipids -
structural components within cell walls.
Lipotrophic Action:
They are also both strong lipotrophic factors, helping to
prevent fat infiltration of the liver.
Nerve Impulses:
Choline is part of the neurotransmitter (brain chemical)
acetylcholine, which is vital to nerve impulse transmission.
There are no established RDA values
for choline and inositol.
Recommendations for both are 1g
daily in supplement form.
Choline and inositol may be used in
supplement form to help emulsify dietary fats; people with fatty
liver or atherosclerotic plaques may also benefit from
supplementation.
Choline may be beneficial in
patients with diseases related to impaired cholinergic
transmission (ie, Alzheimer’s disease, memory impairment and
ataxia) (1).
No toxic dose has been reported with
inositol. Choline is also very safe, but at high levels it may
cause a fishy smell through the Skin
and on the breath.
INTERACTIONS AND
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
There are no reported drug
interactions or contra-indications for choline or inositol.
FOOD SOURCES - Choline
Food (mg/100g)
Liver, dessicated 2170
Heart, beef 1720
Brewer’s yeast 300
Nuts 220
Pulses 120
Citrus fruits 85
Bread, wholemeal 80
Bananas 44
FOOD SOURCES - Inositol
Food (mg/100g)
Heart, beef 1600
Liver, dessicated 1100
Citrus fruits 210
Nuts 180
Pulses 160
Bananas 120
Bread, wholemeal 100
Brewer’s yeast 50
REFERENCES:
1. "Handbook of Dietary
Supplements", Pamela Mason, Blackwell Science, 1995.
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