Choline is an essential nutrient for humans and is a family of quarternary ammonium compounds. Although the liver can produce some de novo, additional intake is required to meet physiologic needs.
Choline is used for production of acetylcholine and essential membrane phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine.
Person at risk for deficiency:
(1) total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with inadequate choline
(2) starvation
(3) neonate with maternal deficiency
(4) diet low in choline (high in fruits and vegetable, other)
(5) malabsorption states such as cystic fibrosis
Findings in a patient with choline deficiency:
(1) muscle weakness and fatiguability
(2) hepatic steatosis
(3) impaired cognitive performance
(4) stunted growth in neonates
(5) osteoporosis
(6) fetal malformations
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