Health Hotline Magazine | July 2025

90% of Americans aren’t getting enough of this essential nutrient

Choline on the Scene The majority of choline in the body is found in the form of phospholipids—primarily foods, many vegetarians and vegans are at risk for inadequacy, making supplementation even more crucial. Research has also revealed that meeting the daily intake requirements for choline is very di cult when eggs are excluded from the diet. phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin— critical structural components that form cell membranes. Choline plays a vital role in numerous cellular processes, including building healthy cell membranes, facilitating cell signaling, and supporting healthy DNA synthesis and gene expression. Choline is also a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a crucial role in learning, memory, and mood, as well as a healthy nervous system. Choline is available as a standalone dietary supplement, can be found in B-complex vitamins, and in some multivitamin/mineral products as well. A Critical Missing Nutrient Choline is a relatively new essential nutrient, having only been recognized in 1998 by the National Academy of Medicine, but since its discovery, it’s proving to be a critical component of health—and it’s largely missing from our diets. While it’s found in a variety of foods, including egg yolks, beef and beef liver, chicken, fish, and soybeans, recent analyses show that “large portions of the population, i.e., approximately 90% of Americans, including most pregnant and lactating women, are well below the Adequate Intake (AI) for choline.” Additionally, given that choline is found in animal-derived

Natural Grocers ® | 29