The micronutrient choline plays a vital role in improving cardiovascular health, enhancing cognitive ability, and reducing cancer risk. Including choline-rich foods is a way to get this nutrient as our body produces it in limited amounts. It is found in many animal and plant foods. 

Choline-Rich Foods

1. Whole Eggs

Eggs are the best and primary source of choline. One large egg with yolk contains 147 mg of choline, which is more concentrated in the yolk (680 mg/100g) than the egg white (1 mg/100 g). This essential nutrient gets absorbed more easily when consumed in its natural form (bound to phospholipids) than as a supplement. Studies suggest that phospholipids in egg yolk improve choline absorption. Higher choline intake can, in turn, improve cognition  function in humans.

2. Fish

Seafood is a rich source of several nutrients like choline. Fish like tuna, salmon, and haddock have high choline content — and three ounces of smoked salmon contains 187 mg of choline. A study by the Child and Family Research Institute, Canada, found that higher fish intake improves blood concentrations of vitamin D, choline, and DHA (omega-3 fatty acid).

3. Organ Meat

Consuming at least 90g of meat per day along with eggs (one per three days) and milk products helps meet the daily choline requirement in children. One slice (85g) of beef liver contains 359 mg of choline. Beef was shown to improve iron content in blood and enhance cognitive function in young women. However, it had no specific benefit over non-beef protein with regard to iron levels. Three ounces of chicken liver, chicken broiler, and turkey contain 247 mg, 56 mg, and 71.7 mg of choline, respectively.

4. Soy

Raw soybeans (100g) contain 116 mg of choline. They can be the ultimate source of choline for vegetarians. Such individuals can also take soy products like tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and edamame.

5. Cruciferous Vegetables

Green vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are rich sources of choline. One cup each of chopped broccoli (91g) and chopped cauliflower (107g) contains 17 mg and 47.4 mg of choline, respectively. Besides, one cup (160g) of cooked Brussels sprouts provides 31.2 mg of choline.

6. Potatoes

One medium potato (173g) contains 24.9 mg of choline. Red potatoes are another great source of choline with carbs. One baked small red potato (138g) provides 26.1 mg of choline.

7. Beans

Studies suggest that immature lima beans are the best source of choline for vegans (16). One cup (170g) of lima beans contains 75 mg of choline. Also, 100g of kidney beans provides 30.5 mg of choline.

8. Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in flavor. Cooked shiitake mushrooms (100g) provide 36.8 mg of choline, and these can be added to your soups, pasta, or stir-fries (19 ). Their regular intake can help improve immunity and reduce inflammatory markers (20). They also have anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic properties that help reduce cardiovascular diseases.

9. Cottage Cheese

Dairy products like low-fat milk and cottage cheese are excellent sources of choline. One cup (210g) of cottage cheese contains 38.6 mg of choline. It is also rich in calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone health and weight loss. Besides, it has a mild taste and is easy to incorporate into your diet. Add it to your salads, baked items, smoothies, or use it as an alternative to sour cream.

10. Almonds

Almonds are highly nutritious tree nuts with many health benefits. One cup (141g) of unroasted almonds contains 73.5 mg of choline. You can have them in your breakfast or blend them to make smoothies.

Besides, fruits like kiwi and apples are also rich sources of choline. A half-cup each of raw kiwi and chopped raw apples contain 7 mg and 2 mg of choline, respectively.

What Are The Health Benefits of Choline?

• May Improve Brain Function

Choline is an essential nutrient that produces acetylcholine (neurotransmitter). Loss of cholinergic neurons is associated with impaired cognitive function, particularly memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease . Higher choline intake is found to improve cognitive performance. A review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that dietary choline intake has neuroprotective effects and can improve cognitive function. Choline intake during pregnancy can also improve fetal brain development.

• May Support Heart Health

Long-term choline intake may reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions and cardiovascular diseases (29). A study by Wageningen University, The Netherlands, on post-menopausal women found that high choline intake can lower homocysteine (an amino acid) levels. High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of CVD ( 30). It may also protect the heart by reducing blood pressure and changing lipid profiles. 

However, certain studies have shown no association between choline intake and a reduced risk of CVD. Therefore, more research needs to be done.

• May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer

High choline intake may help prevent the development of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Choline may also help reduce breast cancer mortality once diagnosed. However, limited studies are available to support this claim.

Inadequate intake of choline can impact your health. Let’s discuss the negative effects of choline deficiency in the following section.

Effects Of Choline Deficiency

Choline is a key nutrient in maintaining the integrity of cell structure, DNA synthesis, and metabolism. A study by the March of Dimes in Berkley, California, suggests that low dietary intake of choline in pregnant women significantly increases the risk of neural tube and oral cleft defects in babies. Choline deficiency in people is also associated with liver and muscle dysfunction (and damage) and increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (choline plays an important role in fat transportation from the liver and its deficiency may cause fat accumulation in the liver), apoptosis  , and increased DNA strand breaks.

 

How Much Choline Does A Human Body Need?

Adequate choline requirements for different age groups

AGE	MALE	FEMALE
0-6 months	125 mg/day	125 mg/day
7-12 months	150 mg/day	150 mg/day
1-3 years	200 mg/day	200 mg/day
4-8 years	250 mg/day	250 mg/day
9-13 years	375 mg/day	375 mg/day
14-18 years	550 mg/day	400 mg/day
19+ years	550 mg/day	425 mg/day

Pregnant women should take 450 mg/day of choline and increase it to 550 mg/day during breastfeeding.