A common nutrient deficiency can affect the brain early – even in young adults
New research indicates that a deficiency of choline may be linked to early signs of stress in both the body and brain in young adults, especially in people with obesity. Interestingly, this can occur even when there are no clear symptoms.
What the researchers found
The study compared young adults (mainly ages 20–30) with and without obesity. In the group with obesity, they observed biological markers that may indicate an early burden on the body, including higher levels of inflammation and signs of metabolic and liver-related stress.
Researchers also noted higher levels of a marker called neurofilament light chain (NfL). NfL can increase when nerve cells are under stress or damaged, and is often used in research as an indicator of adverse neurobiological impact.
Choline: why is it important?
Choline is a nutrient needed for several key functions. It helps build and maintain cell membranes, supports normal liver function, and contributes to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for the nervous system and cognitive processes such as memory and learning.
The link between choline, obesity, and early risk markers
An important observation was that many in the group with obesity had lower blood levels of choline. Lower choline levels were, in turn, associated with these early stress markers (inflammation, metabolic strain, and higher NfL).
This does not mean that choline deficiency alone “causes” brain effects, but the findings strengthen the view that nutrient status can be part of the bigger picture and that certain risk processes may start earlier in life than previously thought.
Do young people get enough choline?
According to the report, choline intake is often low among young people, which can make it easy to fall below requirements, especially if appetite is low, the diet is limited, or one eats little of the foods that typically contain more choline.
What can you do in practice?
For many, a first step is to review the diet and secure a steady intake of choline-rich foods. Common examples include eggs, fish, and poultry. Choline supplements are important if you do not regularly eat choline-rich foods.
Is citicoline the same as choline?
Citicoline (also called CDP-choline) is not identical to choline, but it is a closely related form. When citicoline is absorbed, it is broken down into choline and cytidine, which are primarily used in the brain to build and maintain neuronal membranes and to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Unlike choline from the diet, which covers the body’s more fundamental needs such as liver function and cell structure throughout the body, citicoline is used mainly to support brain function. This means citicoline can be a valuable complement for cognition and the nervous system, but it does not always replace the need for dietary choline or other choline sources when it comes to the body’s overall choline balance.
