Choline is a water-soluble vitamin that is typically grouped in the B-complex of vitamins. Choline is produced by humans in the liver, so most people are able to maintain proper levels of this essential vitamin on a daily basis when combined with foods that contain choline. Choline is a very important vitamin, as it can affect brain development, levels, and energy production in the body, among others. That being said, choline deficiency does exist in many people, which can cause complications in the liver, as well as and issues.
Symptoms of Choline Deficiency
If you are struggling to maintain your choline levels, you may experience a few basic symptoms that include:
- A lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Sluggishness when it comes to your processes
Acetylcholine is a critical compound in the body that relates to many of these functions, and it cannot be produced without choline.
More severe symptoms if the deficiency is ongoing include:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Problems with your muscles and nerves
In even more serious cases, you may begin to experience fatty liver disease or kidney an increased risk of disease as you age., as well as
- You are at greater risk of a choline deficiency if you aren’t eating the right foods since your liver can’t always create as much as the body needs.
- vegans are at particularly high risk since they often avoid many of the richest protein sources where choline is found, including milk and eggs. and
- Long-distance runners and extreme also face a higher risk of this deficiency, since they consume so much of the vitamin during their workouts.
- Finally, people who consume large amounts of tend to have suppressed choline production and are more likely to experience a lack.