An ABSTRACT suggesting foods rich in choline for optimal brain function.

PubMed
Importance of choline in cognitive function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32993309/
2021 Jan 13
PMID: 32993309 DOI: 10.20960/nh.03351
Ana María López-Sobaler 1, Ana M Lorenzo Mora 1, M ª Dolores Salas González 1, África Peral Suárez 2, Aránzazu Aparicio 1, Rosa M ª Ortega 2
Affiliations
1 Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
2 Departamento de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Choline is a critical nutrient for cognitive development, metabolism and liver function, and regulation of homocysteine metabolism.

It is necessary for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the synthesis of betaine and that of phosphatidylcholine.

In the perinatal stage, the contribution of choline is essential to guarantee optimal cognitive development and prevent neural tube defects.

In adults and the elderly, choline intake has been associated with better performance in some cognitive functions and a lower incidence of dementia.

Despite their important role in health, most groups of the population do not reach their adequate intake of choline, and even some groups, such as pregnant women or childbearing women, have a higher risk of having suboptimal intakes.

The main dietary sources of choline are eggs, dairy and meats, so reducing or limiting the consumption of these foods negatively impacts on the intake of this nutrient.

Given the need to improve the intake of this vitamin, it is necessary to increase the knowledge that the population has about this nutrient, raising awareness about the importance of choline for health, and its main food sources.

RELATED:
This evidence-based article shares 16 foods rich in choline, and eggs top the list:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-with-choline