October
2007
Choline (Almost a B Vitamin)
Choline for a while was known as Vitamin Bp and is currently recognized as an essential and necessary component for cells in the body. Isolated from egg yolks back in the mid 1800s and then titled lecithin this component was confirmed to be a vitamin in nature during the 1940s. In what can best be described as a technicality Choline, or Vitamin Bp, has failed to meet all the criteria to be recognized as a true vitamin. Due to the fact that Vitamin Bp has no known coenzyme function it can only be rated as a cousin of the Vitamin B family. There is no set Recommended Daily Allowance set for Choline, though essential, but there should be.
Choline, or Vitamin Bp, has proven beneficial properties and is one of the few substances that heads straight to the brain to produces a chemical that assists memory. Choline, or Vitamin Bp, compounds are in high demand for prenatal and new born children, so high that demand often exceeds the supply and the capacity for the body to synthesize it. Research on Vitamin Bp is recognizing the Choline advantage of improved brain function during the growth and development years of infants and children. Supplementation of Vitamin Bp appears to alleviate symptoms of Parkinsons and Huntingtons Disease and is reputed to help learning abilities. It is also beginning to become apparent that many neurological and brain problems may be linked to a Choline deficiency.
Vitamin Bp, like other B Vitamins appears to have a regulating, or calming effect when it comes to neurotransmissions and assists the liver in removing toxins from the body. Choline is showing positive effects treating Hepatitus A and B, not curing, but relieving symptoms with fewer relapses. AL 72, a Choline containing compound may prove to inhibit HIV replication but the results are still out. Choline is water soluble but easily destroyed by heat and food processing, egg yolks are the most common food containing Choline. Most multi-vitamins and B complex supplements contain Vitamin Bp but many believe this essential component should be upgraded to Vitamin status and better recognized for its benefits.