Assessment of total choline intakes in the United States
Choline is an essential nutrient and plays a critical role in brain development, cell signaling, nerve impulse transmission, liver function, and maintenance of a healthy metabolism. Researchers have analyzed the usual intakes of choline and compared them with the dietary reference intakes for U.S. Residents aged ?2 years. Choline can be found naturally in foods including eggs, liver, beef, salmon, shrimp, cauliflower, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and breast milk. Symptoms of a choline deficiency may include low energy levels, memory loss, cognitive decline, muscle aches, nerve damage, and mood changes or disorders. Ref. Source 2a.