Choline, a conditionally essential nutrient synthesized partially by the liver, remains critically underrecognized despite its fundamental role in nervous system function and cognitive performance. Approximately 90% of adults consume insufficient quantities, falling short of the recommended daily intake of 425–550 mg depending on sex and life stage.
This nutrient serves as a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for stress resilience, memory consolidation, and parasympathetic nervous system regulation. Animal-based sources—eggs, poultry, and fish—deliver choline more efficiently than plant alternatives, though plant-based diets can meet targets through fortified foods or supplementation.
Despite preliminary evidence linking choline deficiency to impaired stress response and cognitive decline, the nutrient remains absent from many clinical and public health guidelines. Georgian Medical Journal’s evidence-based analysis examines why this gap matters and how dietary adjustment can support nervous system health.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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