Choline

Choline is a substance similar to the B vitamins. It is required for many different chemical reactions in the body. Choline is important to the proper functioning of the nervous system and in helping to control swelling and inflammation. It is made in the liver, but can also be found in foods such as liver, spinach, wheat germ, eggs, peas, beans, nuts, fish, and muscle meats.

Choline is used to help fight different types of liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Many people also use choline to help with depression, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, memory loss, seizures, and schizophrenia. Choline is often taken by athletes to increase their body building and delay their fatigue during endurance sports.

Choline is needed during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects and is also provided as a supplement in infant formulas. Other uses of choline include lowering cholesterol and helping to control asthma.