Meta Information

ID:choline

Name:Choline

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Alpha-GPC
• CDP-Choline
• Citicoline
• Choline Bitartrate
• Phosphatidylcholine

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

10

High Cost:

30

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost for a one-month supply of common choline supplement forms.

Summary

Choline is an essential nutrient vital for neurotransmitter synthesis (acetylcholine), cell membrane structure, and methyl group donation for processes like DNA methylation. Its role in maintaining cognitive function, liver health, and regulating homocysteine levels makes it a key component for preserving physiological function with age.

Purpose

Essential nutrient for brain, liver, and cell membrane health.

Card Summary

An essential nutrient that supports cognitive function, liver health, and cellular integrity by serving as a precursor to acetylcholine and phospholipids.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Essential for cognitive and liver function; supplementation benefits are most pronounced when dietary intake is insufficient.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

7

Justification:

Strong evidence for its essential role; moderate human data on supplementation for cognitive/liver benefits.

Safety

Score:

3

Justification:

Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) with a high upper intake limit; side effects are rare.

Flags

• High intake can be converted by gut bacteria into TMAO, a metabolite controversially linked to cardiovascular disease.
• Exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 3.5g/day can cause fishy body odor, GI distress, and hypotension.
• May interact with anticholinergic medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
• Individuals with a PEMT gene variant may have higher dietary choline requirements.

Verdict

Ensure adequate dietary intake; supplement if diet is insufficient or for cognitive support.

Created

2026-04-26T17:38:23.355001Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Choline is an essential nutrient vital for neurotransmitter synthesis (acetylcholine), cell membrane structure, and methyl group donation for processes like DNA methylation. Its role in maintaining co...

Typical Protocol

• Ensure adequate daily intake of 425 mg (females) to 550 mg (males) through diet or supplements.
• Cognitive support protocols may use 300-1200 mg of Alpha-GPC or 500-2000 mg of CDP-Choline daily, often in divided doses.