Choline

Choline is an essential nutrient and quaternary ammonium compound used to build cell membranes and produce acetylcholine and other molecules.

Phosphatidylcholine: A major membrane phospholipid composed of choline, phosphate, glycerol, and two fatty acids. Choline is incorporated into this abundant structural lipid through the Kennedy pathway.
Quaternary ammonium compound: An ion containing a positively charged nitrogen bonded to four organic groups. Choline’s permanent positive charge comes from its quaternary ammonium structure.
Dietary Reference Intake: A set of nutrient intake standards used to plan and assess diets for healthy populations. Choline has an adequate intake value rather than a formally established recommended dietary allowance.
Phosphatidylethanolamine: A major membrane phospholipid whose head group contains ethanolamine rather than choline. Its related structure highlights the distinct choline head group in phosphatidylcholine.
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter synthesized from choline and acetyl coenzyme A by choline acetyltransferase. Choline supplies the molecular backbone for this neurotransmitter.
Phospholipid: A lipid with a phosphate-containing head group and hydrophobic tails, often forming cell membranes. Choline is a head group in major membrane phospholipids.
Choline deficiency: A state of insufficient choline that can cause liver dysfunction and muscle damage. It shows the physiological consequences of inadequate choline intake.
Ethanolamine: An organic compound that serves as a head-group precursor for phosphatidylethanolamine. It is a close structural counterpart to choline in membrane-lipid synthesis.
Choline acetyltransferase: An enzyme that transfers an acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A to choline, forming acetylcholine. This enzyme uses choline directly to make acetylcholine.
Essential nutrient: A substance required for normal physiology that the body cannot make in sufficient amounts. Choline is classified as essential because endogenous synthesis may not meet physiological needs.

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