Loading...
 
Toggle Health Problems and D

An egg a day keeps Alzheimer's away (cuts risk in half) - July 2025

Association of Egg Intake With Alzheimer’s Dementia Risk in Older Adults: The Rush Memory and Aging Project - July 2024

The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 154, Issue 7 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.05.012
Yongyi Pan1 ∙ Taylor C Wallace1,2,3 ∙ Tasija Karosas1 ∙ David A Bennett4 ∙ Puja Agarwal4 ∙ Mei Chung1 mei_chun.chung at tufts.edu

Image

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with increasing prevalence due to population aging. Eggs provide many nutrients important for brain health, including choline, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein. Emerging evidence suggests that frequent egg consumption may improve cognitive performance on verbal tests, but whether consumption influences the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and AD is unknown.

Objectives: To examine the association of egg consumption with Alzheimer’s dementia risk among the Rush Memory and Aging Project cohort.

Methods: Dietary assessment was collected using a modified Harvard semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Participants’ first food frequency questionnaire was used as the baseline measure of egg consumption. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the associations of baseline egg consumption amount with Alzheimer’s dementia risk, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Subgroup analyses using Cox and logistic regression models were performed to investigate the associations with AD pathology in the brain. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediation effect of dietary choline in the relationship between egg intake and incident Alzheimer’s dementia.

Results: This study included 1024 older adults mean [ ±standard deviation (SD)] age = 81.38 ± 7.20 y}. Over a mean (±SD) follow-up of 6.7 ± 4.8 y, 280 participants (27.3%) were clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. Weekly consumption of >1 egg/wk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34, 0.83) and ≥2 eggs/wk (HR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.81) was associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s dementia. Subgroup analysis of brain autopsies from 578 deceased participants showed that intakes of >1 egg/wk (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.76) and ≥2 eggs/wk (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.90) were associated with a lower risk of AD pathology in the brain. Mediation analysis showed that 39% of the total effect of egg intake on incident Alzheimer’s dementia was mediated through dietary choline.

Conclusions:These findings suggest that frequent egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and AD pathology, and the association with Alzheimer’s dementia is partially mediated through dietary choline

 Download the PDF from VitaminDWiki

Benefits of Choline in the Human Body (Perplexity AI)

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays vital roles throughout the human body, affecting everything from cellular structure to brain function. While your liver produces small amounts naturally, dietary intake is necessary to meet your body's requirements and avoid deficiency 1 2.

Cell Membrane Structure and Function

Choline serves as a crucial building block for cell membranes through its conversion to phosphatidylcholine, the most abundant phospholipid in mammalian cellular membranes 3 4. Phosphatidylcholine comprises 40-50% of the phospholipids in human cell membranes 5 and forms the phospholipid bilayer that maintains cellular integrity 3. This bilayer is self-healing and highly fluid, which is essential for proper cell function and signaling 3.
The structural role of phosphatidylcholine extends beyond basic membrane formation. It enhances the free passage of nutrients into cells while facilitating the removal of waste products, thereby optimizing cellular metabolism and energy production 3. As phosphatidylcholine levels decline with age, injury, toxic exposure, and poor nutrition, cellular homeostasis becomes compromised 3.

Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Brain Function

One of choline's most critical functions is serving as the precursor for acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in memory, mood, muscle control, and other brain functions 1 2. Acetylcholine is essential for:

  • Memory and Learning: The neurotransmitter plays crucial roles in memory formation, attention, and cognitive performance 1 6
  • Muscle Control: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter at neuromuscular junctions, enabling voluntary muscle movement 78
  • Autonomic Function: It regulates heart rate, digestion, and other involuntary processes through the parasympathetic nervous system 7 9

Research indicates that choline supplementation can improve visuomotor performance and accuracy in targeting tasks, while also causing beneficial changes in pupil constriction that correlate with enhanced cognitive function 10.

Fetal Brain Development and Pregnancy

Choline's importance becomes particularly pronounced during pregnancy and early development. The fetus exists in a high-choline environment, with concentrations in amniotic fluid being tenfold higher than maternal blood levels 11. This elevated exposure supports critical developmental processes:
Neural Tube Formation
Higher maternal choline intake is associated with reduced risk of neural tube defects. Meta-analysis of multiple studies shows that low maternal choline intake or circulating concentrations increase the odds of neural tube defects by 36% 12.
Hippocampal Development
Choline supplementation during late pregnancy can produce lasting effects on memory and cognitive function. In animal studies, supplementation increased hippocampal progenitor cell proliferation, decreased cell death, and enhanced memory performance by up to 30% throughout the offspring's lifetime 11. Human studies have shown similar benefits, with higher maternal choline intake linked to improved attention and information processing speeds in children 13 12.
Neurogenesis and Myelination
Choline supports the rapid brain growth that occurs during the third trimester and continues until approximately age five. It provides material for myelin synthesis, which insulates nerve fibers, and supports the production of acetylcholine needed for proper brain organization and synapse formation 11.

Liver Function and Fat Metabolism

The liver is central to choline metabolism, and adequate choline intake is essential for proper hepatic function 14 15. Choline deficiency quickly leads to fatty liver disease through several mechanisms:
VLDL Production
Phosphatidylcholine is required for assembling very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which transport triglycerides out of the liver. Without sufficient choline, fat accumulates in liver cells, leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease 14 15.
Bile Production
Choline-derived phosphatidylcholine works with bile salts as surfactants, facilitating the intestinal absorption of dietary fats 5. It also helps solubilize cholesterol for secretion in bile 14.
Methyl Group Metabolism
Choline contributes to the methylation cycle by providing methyl groups through its conversion to betaine. This process is crucial for maintaining proper levels of S-adenosylmethionine, the universal methyl donor needed for DNA methylation and other cellular processes 15 16.

Epigenetic Regulation

Choline plays a significant role in epigenetic regulation through its contribution to DNA and histone methylation 16 17. As a methyl donor, choline affects:

  • Gene Expression: Dietary choline intake can modify epigenetic marks on DNA and histones, thereby influencing the expression of genes involved in development, metabolism, and disease 16
  • Fetal Programming: Maternal choline intake during pregnancy affects DNA methylation patterns in the developing fetus, with lasting impacts on gene expression and health outcomes 16 18
  • Disease Prevention: Proper methylation patterns supported by adequate choline intake may help prevent the development of liver cancer and other diseases 16 17
Cardiovascular Health

Choline's relationship with cardiovascular health is complex, involving both beneficial and potentially harmful pathways:
Homocysteine Regulation
Choline helps convert homocysteine to methionine through the betaine pathway, thereby reducing homocysteine levels 19 20. Elevated homocysteine is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, and choline supplementation can significantly reduce both fasting and post-methionine load homocysteine levels 19.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Higher choline intake has been associated with reduced levels of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α 20. This anti-inflammatory effect may contribute to cardiovascular protection.

Pulmonary Function

Choline is essential for producing pulmonary surfactant, a mixture primarily composed of phosphatidylcholine that enables lung elasticity and proper breathing 5. Deficiency of phosphatidylcholine in lung tissues has been linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome 5.

The adequate intake levels for choline vary by age and physiological state 1 21:

  • Adult women: 425 mg/day
  • Adult men: 550 mg/day
  • Pregnant women: 450 mg/day
  • Breastfeeding women: 550 mg/day

Despite its importance, most people in Western countries consume less than the recommended amounts 1 22. True deficiency is rare but can cause fatty liver disease, muscle damage, and during pregnancy, increased risk of neural tube defects and other complications 1 23.

Conclusion

Choline's benefits span virtually every aspect of human physiology, from maintaining cellular integrity and supporting brain function to enabling proper fetal development and liver metabolism. Its roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, epigenetic regulation, and methylation reactions underscore its fundamental importance to human health. Given that most people don't consume adequate amounts through diet alone, ensuring sufficient choline intake through food sources or supplementation may be crucial for optimal health outcomes 1 22.

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-choline
  2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-Consumer/
  3. https://bodybio.com/blogs/blog/what-is-phosphatidylcholine
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphatidylcholine
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choline
  6. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250408-choline-the-underappreciated-nutrient-thats-vital-for-our-brains
  7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylcholine
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WFhhL-enlQ
  9. https://nba.uth.tmc.edu/neuroscience/m/s1/chapter11.html
  10. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep13188
  11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2441939/
  12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9776654/
  13. https://bbrfoundation.org/content/higher-maternal-choline-levels-pregnancy-had-protective-role-infant-brain-development
  14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3601486/
  15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3729018/
  16. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5452175/
  17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28468239/
  18. https://epigenie.com/choline-metabolism-dna-methylation-and-memory-with-dr-steven-zeisel/
  19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16002808/
  20. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3347848/
  21. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contentid=choline&contenttypeid=19
  22. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/choline
  23. https://examine.com/supplements/choline/
  24. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/choline/
  25. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-student-contributors/ups-and-downs-choline-supplements
  26. https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2018/11000/cholinethe_underconsumed_and_underappreciated.4.aspx
  27. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1148166/full
  28. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/choline-foods
  29. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-436/choline
  30. https://www.verywellhealth.com/choline-5084871
  31. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/
  32. https://www.imrpress.com/journal/FBL/29/5/10.31083/j.fbl2905182/htm
  33. https://blog.lovevery.com/podcast/choline-and-your-babys-developing-brain/
  34. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622008161
  35. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24568-acetylcholine-ach
  36. https://www.pbs.org/video/prenatal-choline-and-brain-health-j1axqh/
  37. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-much-choline-is-needed-to-reverse-fatty-liver
  38. https://mhanational.org/resources/what-is-acetylcholine/
  39. https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/11/choline-in-pregnancy-supports-babys-brain-development
  40. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831323001370
  41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557825/
  42. https://infantrisk.com/content/choline-during-pregnancy-lactation
  43. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/phosphatidylcholine
  44. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/high-homocysteine
  45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23350810/
  46. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.841787/full
  47. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.99.1.178
  48. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44086-6
  49. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622153794
  50. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-66039-4
  51. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2022.988759/full
  52. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0027510711002739
  53. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523295179
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbjHU6RXA5U

Does Increasing Choline (Eating an Egg) Decrease Alzheimer's Risk?

Yes, emerging research suggests that increasing choline intake, including eating eggs, may help reduce Alzheimer's disease risk. Multiple studies demonstrate significant associations between choline consumption and lower dementia rates.

Key Research Findings

Recent Landmark Study: A major 2024 study published in The Journal of Nutrition followed 1,024 older adults for an average of 6.7 years and found that eating one or more eggs per week was associated with a 47% reduced risk of Alzheimer's dementia compared to those who rarely ate eggs 1 2 3. The researchers also conducted brain autopsies on 578 deceased participants and discovered that egg consumption was associated with less buildup of proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease 1.
Choline's Role: The study revealed that 39% of the protective effect from eating eggs was attributed to their choline content 4 3. One large egg contains approximately 150 milligrams of choline, providing 25% of the recommended daily value 2 4.

Optimal Choline Intake for Brain Protection

Research indicates there's an optimal range for choline intake:

  • 350mg per day was associated with the lowest risk of clinical Alzheimer's diagnosis in older adults, equivalent to about 2-3 large eggs daily 1
  • Studies show that choline intake between 187-400mg per day reduces the risk of cognitive decline by approximately 50% compared to lower intakes 5
  • However, very high choline intake (above 400-500mg daily) may not provide additional benefits and could potentially increase risks 6
Mechanisms of Protection

Acetylcholine Production: Choline serves as the precursor for acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter for memory and learning. Alzheimer's patients have severely deficient acetylcholine levels, and choline supplementation helps restore this deficit 7 8.
Cell Membrane Integrity: Phosphatidylcholine, derived from choline, is essential for maintaining neuronal membrane structure and function 9 10. Brain phospholipids containing choline account for 32.8% of total brain phospholipids and are critical for proper neurotransmission 9.
Methylation and Homocysteine Reduction: Choline participates in methylation processes that help reduce homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine is strongly associated with increased Alzheimer's risk, cognitive decline, and brain atrophy 11 12 13.
Amyloid and Tau Reduction: Animal studies demonstrate that lifelong choline supplementation significantly reduces amyloid-β plaque load and decreases disease-associated microglial activation 14 15.

Clinical Evidence from Human Studies

Blood Choline Levels: Research from Arizona State University found that Alzheimer's patients have significantly reduced circulating choline levels compared to healthy individuals, with the lowest levels in those with the most severe pathology 16. The study showed strong associations between low blood choline and higher accumulations of both amyloid plaques and tau tangles 16.
Cognitive Performance: A large UK Biobank study tracking 125,000 people for 12 years found that higher choline intake reduced dementia risk, with the most benefit around 400mg per day 17. Another study of middle-aged and elderly Japanese adults showed that 300mg daily of egg yolk choline improved verbal memory over 12 weeks 18.

Practical Recommendations

Single Egg Benefits: The research suggests that eating just one egg per week may provide significant protection, though daily consumption appears optimal based on the dosage studies 1 19.
Timing Considerations: Evidence suggests that choline supplementation is most effective when started earlier in life, as lifelong supplementation shows the greatest benefits in preventing Alzheimer's pathology 14 15.
Current Intake Gap: Most Americans fall short of optimal choline intake. More than 90% of Americans don't meet the recommended daily choline intake, with average consumption being 402mg for men and only 278mg for women 20 16.

Study Limitations and Considerations

While the evidence is promising, some limitations exist:

  • Many studies relied on self-reported dietary data
  • Some research was funded by the Egg Nutrition Center, though findings are consistent across independent studies
  • The relationship appears to be non-linear, with both very low and very high choline intake potentially being problematic 6
  • More diverse population studies are needed to confirm findings across different ethnic groups
Conclusion

The current evidence strongly suggests that increasing choline intake through foods like eggs can help reduce Alzheimer's disease risk. The protective effect appears to be dose-dependent, with optimal benefits around 300-400mg daily - achievable through eating 2-3 eggs per day or 1 egg plus other choline-rich foods. However, even modest increases, such as eating one egg weekly, may provide meaningful protection against cognitive decline and dementia.

  1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-one-egg-per-week-may-lower-alzheimer-s-risk-11778276
  2. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-finds-a-relationship-between-eating-eggs-and-a-reduced-risk-of-alzheimers-dementia-302230912.html
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38782209/
  4. https://www.incredibleegg.org/about-us/newsroom/new-study-finds-a-relationship-between-eating-eggs-and-a-reduced-risk-of-alzheimers-dementia/
  5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2021/2962245
  6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9630864/
  7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8949236/
  8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4787279/
  9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9541750/
  10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7352907/
  11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7495165/
  12. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/articlepdf/2738056/jamapsychiatry_hooshmand_2019_oi_190040.pdf
  13. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-nutr-071715-050947
  14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7041773/
  15. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13037
  16. https://news.asu.edu/20230807-new-research-links-low-choline-levels-blood-alzheimers-disease-progression
  17. https://foodforthebrain.org/new-study-higher-choline-intake-lowers-the-risk-of-dementia-alzheimers-cognitive-decline/
  18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10280906/
  19. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-1-egg-per-week-linked-to-lower-alzheimers-risk-study-finds
  20. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/
  21. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241003/Could-eating-eggs-prevent-dementia.aspx
  22. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1242853/full
  23. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002231662400289X
  24. https://www.verywellhealth.com/egg-yolk-alzheimers-risk-prevention-8667812
  25. https://www.foxnews.com/health/eating-common-foods-could-reduce-alzheimers-risk-experts-say
  26. https://news.asu.edu/20230117-study-explores-effects-dietary-choline-deficiency-neurologic-systemwide-health
  27. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662400289X
  28. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-Consumer/
  29. https://www.henryford.com/blog/2025/03/the-egg-citing-link-between-eggs-and-brain-health
  30. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916524008694
  31. https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/141/7/1917/5023826
  32. https://www.drahnermedicalcenter.com/phoshatidycholine-therapy
  33. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2011.00022/full
  34. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/ratings/phosphatidylcholine
  35. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10493398/
  36. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24568-acetylcholine-ach
  37. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-02361-5
  38. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2274580724004941
  39. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021925819580310
  40. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770723013489
  41. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079612308609164
  42. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/21/11313
  43. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-student-contributors/ups-and-downs-choline-supplements
  44. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250408-choline-the-underappreciated-nutrient-thats-vital-for-our-brains
  45. https://elifesciences.org/articles/89889
  46. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523025042
  47. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/choline
  48. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405457724013287
  49. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/choline/
  50. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13775
  51. https://nutrition.bmj.com/content/early/2019/09/03/bmjnph-2019-000037

Association Between Choline and Vitamin D

Yes, there are several important associations between choline and vitamin D, particularly in brain development, neurotransmitter synthesis, and metabolic processes.

Fetal Brain Development and Prenatal Health

The most well-established connection between choline and vitamin D exists in fetal brain development. Both nutrients are essential for optimal neural development during pregnancy and are often studied together in this context 1 2. Research shows that choline, folic acid, and vitamin D are essential for fetal brain development and may be the first steps in preventing pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders 1 2.
During pregnancy, both nutrients work synergistically to support crucial developmental processes. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy has been recommended alongside choline supplementation, with the American Medical Association endorsing choline supplements for all pregnancies 1. Deficiencies in either nutrient during pregnancy have been associated with increased risks of premature delivery, developmental abnormalities, and later cognitive issues 1.

Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Brain Function

A particularly significant connection exists between vitamin D and acetylcholine synthesis, where choline serves as the precursor. Vitamin D plays a direct role in acetylcholine production by regulating the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), which converts choline into acetylcholine 3 4 5 6. Studies demonstrate that:

  • 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment results in increased choline acetyltransferase activity in specific brain regions, particularly the arcuate-median eminence and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis 5
  • Vitamin D deficiency can impair cholinergic transmission by reducing ChAT activity and altering acetylcholine levels in the brain 3 4
  • Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to restore altered cholinergic receptor gene expression and normalize acetylcholinesterase activity in various neurological conditions 4
Metabolic Interactions and TMAO Production

Vitamin D supplementation can affect choline metabolism pathways. Research shows that vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum levels of choline, carnitine, and related metabolites 7. A study found that vitamin D supplementation caused alterations in choline metabolism, potentially reflecting the metabolic flexibility of one-carbon metabolism 8.
Additionally, vitamin D appears to influence the conversion of choline to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Studies indicate that vitamin D supplementation can reduce plasma TMAO levels, which is significant since elevated TMAO is associated with cardiovascular disease risk 8.

Phospholipid Metabolism and PEMT Pathway

While direct evidence is limited, there are indirect connections between vitamin D and the phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway, which is crucial for choline metabolism. PEMT converts phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine using choline-derived methyl groups 9 10. Some research suggests that vitamin D status may influence PEMT activity, though this relationship requires further investigation.

Clinical Implications

The association between choline and vitamin D has several clinical implications:
Prenatal Care: Both nutrients are recommended during pregnancy, with optimal timing being pre-conception or early second trimester for choline and throughout pregnancy for vitamin D 1.
Neurological Conditions: Studies show that vitamin D supplementation can improve cholinergic transmission and cognitive function, particularly in conditions like diabetes-induced cognitive impairment and high-fat diet-induced memory problems 4 11.
Dosage Considerations: The interplay between these nutrients suggests that adequate levels of both may be necessary for optimal brain function, with vitamin D potentially enhancing the utilization of choline for neurotransmitter synthesis 6.

Research Gaps

While these associations are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the choline-vitamin D relationship. Current evidence is largely from animal studies and small human trials, with larger clinical studies needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and timing for supplementation of both nutrients together.
The relationship between choline and vitamin D represents an important area of nutritional neuroscience, with implications for brain development, cognitive function, and overall neurological health across the lifespan.
References

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8494861/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33838984/
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5745807/
  4. https://www.biomed.cas.cz/physiolres/pdf/72/72_S339.pdf
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3753932/
  6. https://highdeserthealthcoaching.com/sleep-ibs-and-the-neurotransmitters/
  7. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/5/1310
  8. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mnfr.201600358
  9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphatidylethanolamine_N-methyltransferase
  10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10187709/
  11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31544572/
  12. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/calcium-vitamin-d-with-choline-salicylate-2917-0-652-0.html
  13. https://infantrisk.com/content/choline-during-pregnancy-lactation
  14. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-436/choline
  15. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2340
  16. https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2018/11000/cholinethe_underconsumed_and_underappreciated.4.aspx
  17. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00122
  18. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763406000029
  19. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/choline/
  20. https://academic.oup.com/endo/article-abstract/118/4/1433/2540065
  21. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/the-nutrient-you-didnt-know-you-were-missing/2016/12/08/e4b1f922-b64f-11e6-b8df-600bd9d38a02_story.html
  22. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/choline
  23. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/05/choline-makes-key-nutrient-available-baby-development
  24. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523147502
  25. https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/NXI.0000000000000597
  26. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920996421001286
  27. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622107029
  28. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
  29. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choline
  30. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00169
  31. https://www.imrpress.com/journal/FBL/29/5/10.31083/j.fbl2905182/htm
  32. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/calcium-vitamin-d-with-choline-salicylate-2917-0-652-0.html?professional=1
  33. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/
  34. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682335.html
  35. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/calcitriol.html
  36. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/56766/Ganz_cornellgrad_0058F_10427.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  37. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/drug-nutrient-interactions
  38. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/medications-vitamin-interactions/
  39. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523279022
  40. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/interactions/
  41. https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/food/
  42. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7839822/
  43. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/8/2245
  44. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523025042
  45. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332223005061
  46. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332218341271
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugPB6jmw2nI
  48. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jbm4.10419
  49. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667242123000581
  50. https://bbrfoundation.org/content/higher-maternal-choline-levels-pregnancy-had-protective-role-infant-brain-development
  51. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0092647
  52. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41387-024-00297-z
  53. https://www.oneaday.com/vitamins/prenatal-pregnancy-vitamins/multivitamin-with-brain-support
  54. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2655101/
  55. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1463983/full
  56. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021925820588558
  57. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2014/613078
  58. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513425000870
  59. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/phosphatidylethanolamine-methyltransferase
  60. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-025-00460-5
  61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37522617/
  62. https://mstrust.org.uk/news/research/200108-vitamin-D-MS-symptoms
  63. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7468957/
  64. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030216307159
  65. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-choline
  66. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2023.2241541
  67. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579124011039
  68. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623020023

Omega-3 and Vitamin D also decrease Dementia and Alzheimer's - VitaminDWiki

An egg a day keeps Alzheimer's away (cuts risk in half) - July 2025        
429 visitors, last modified 01 Aug, 2025,
Printer Friendly Follow this page for updates
Cognitive 402
Page actions
Print
Edit Files 2

Attached files

ID Name Comment Uploaded Size Downloads
22907 PIIS002231662400289X_CompressPdf.pdf admin 01 Aug, 2025 462.52 Kb 8
22906 Alz egg.webp admin 01 Aug, 2025 21.01 Kb 40