Choline: The Essential Nutrient You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Choline is an essential nutrient important for brain development, liver health, and muscle function. Many Americans do not get enough choline from their diets, which can lead to various health issues. It is found in foods like eggs, beef liver, and soybeans, and while deficiency is rare, excessive intake can cause negative side effects.
- ▪Choline is crucial for creating acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood and memory.
- ▪Low maternal choline intake is linked to a higher risk of neural tube defects in infants.
- ▪Choline-rich foods include beef liver, eggs, and soybeans, with specific daily intake recommendations based on age and gender.
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WellnessCholine: The Essential Nutrient You’ve Probably Never Heard OfBy Alessandra Signorelli and Mykenna ManieceMay 26, 2026Photo: Isabella Bejarano / Gallery StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this storyOnce upon a time, the vitamin alphabet included a vitamin J. While the name is no longer used—the micronutrient is now just known as choline—it’s still important for brain development and function, liver health, muscles, and more. According to the National Institutes of Health, choline levels typically aren’t checked in healthy people. However, given the fact that your body doesn’t produce enough of it naturally (and that most Americans aren’t getting enough from their diet), there’s plenty to learn.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Vogue.
