Can Choline Prevent Alzheimer's Disease? (Eat broccoli)

Common nutrient supplementation may hold the answers to combating Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s Disease currently affects 6 million Americans today. As a matter of fact, Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia are the leading cause of death in England and Wales. Biodesign researchers have concluded in a new study that a common essential nutrient such as choline maybe the key to combating Alzheimer’s Disease. There is a higher rate of Alzheimer’s Disease amongst females. This study was performed on female mice who were bred to develop Alzheimer’s Disease like symptoms. Findings from a similar research study from a group in China proved similar to this study. The Chinese study was performed on male mice. Both studies proved that there are many benefits to a lifelong higher intake of choline supplementation.

What is choline? A small amount of choline is made by the body’s liver; however, the majority of choline found in the body is consumed and comes from diet. Choline affects the brain and the nervous system. Choline is needed to regulate memory, mood, muscle control and other functions. Choline is also used in the production of cell’s membranes. Adding a high choline supplementation to a diet prevents the activation of specialized cells that are disease associated. Brain inflammation and neuronal death which are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease are both negatively affected by the consumption of choline. Choline combats Alzheimer’s Disease in two ways. Choline prevents the over stimulation of microglia. Over stimulation of microglia is what causes brain inflammation and neuronal death. When neurons are blocked and cannot communicate with other neurons cognitive impairment occur. A diet high in choline prevents the body from producing toxic amyloid-beta plaques. In the Alzheimer’s Diseased brain, abnormal levels of amyloid-beta plaques disrupt cell function and prevent the proper communication between neurons. 

There are many choline dietary supplements available, but choline can also be found in many foods. Foods high in choline can be found in the following: meat, eggs, poultry, fish, dairy products, potatoes, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, certain beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. How much choline should one take? The daily recommended intake (RDI) for males 19 + is 550 mg. For women 19+ the recommended daily intake is 425 mg. Lead author of the study Ramon Velazquez and his colleagues at Arizona State University Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center (NDRC) state, “that at 4.5 times the recommended daily intake (RDI), we are well under the tolerable upper limit, making this a safe preventative therapeutic strategy.” The tolerable upper limits for adults is 3,500 mg. As previously indicated from years of research, the best way to obtain minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber is through the consumption of food. However, fortified foods and dietary supplements can be an integral part of a healthy diet for those who do not consume the recommended intake levels or are fed intravenously.    

Citation:

Wang, Y., Guan, X., Chen, X., Cai, Y., Ma, Y., Ma, J., … Bai, Y. (2019, July 18). Choline Supplementation Ameliorates Behavioral Deficits and Alzheimer's Disease‐Like Pathology in Transgenic APP/PS1 Mice. Retrieved September 29, 2019, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mnfr.201801407.

What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease? (2017, May 16). Retrieved September 29, 2019, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease.

Common nutrient supplementation may hold the answers to combating Alzheimer's disease. (2019, September 27). Retrieved September 29, 2019, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190927122526.htm.

Office of Dietary Supplements - Choline. (2019, July 9). Retrieved September 29, 2019, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/.