What is Choline?

Choline was officially recognized as an essential nutrient by the Institute of Medicine in 1998. 

In the human body,  the liver can generate small amounts of choline but not enough to meet daily needs. Choline needs to be consumed via diet to prevent deficiencies. 

Choline is usually present in certain foods and is also available as a supplement. Choline is converted into a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, this helps muscles to contract, stimulates pain responses, and plays a role in brain functions of memory and thinking. Choline may also help reduce swelling and inflammation connected to asthma.

Choline is absorbed in the liver and is converted into phosphatidylcholine which helps in building fat-carrying proteins and breaking down cholesterol.

Choline in Eggs?

Egg yolks contain high amounts of choline. Eggs are one of the best sources of choline, with 1 egg providing 147 mg. With eggs providing high quality easy to digest choline ISE Foods Inc believes that eggs are one of the best sources of dietary choline. Eggs are one of the best sources of choline with more than double the amount of choline per 100g than any other frequently eaten food. 

ISE eggs are a healthy, safe, nutritious and  rich source of choline. Eggs are easy to consume, cook and a simple way of meeting your daily nutritional needs. 

Benefits Of Choline

Choline, which is usually grouped together with B-vitamins, plays an important role in the nervous system and in fat metabolism.  It is used for many chemical reactions in the body and is an essential nutrient for brain development and brain functioning. 

Choline is needed by the human body for memory, mental functions, preventing a few birth defects, brain development of babies and also brain functioning of the aged.  

Choline Is Essential For A Variety Of Reasons, Including:

• Assisting to produce fats that maintain the structural integrity of cell membranes and promote stronger cell membranes. 
• Helps create a substance that is vital for eliminating cholesterol from the liver and sending it into the bloodstream to use for energy. 
• Helps create methylation, a metabolic process that improves body repair and produces DNA.
• Assists in producing acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter needed for memory, focus, muscle control, and heartbeat regulation.

Egg Choline and Pregnancy

Having an adequate amount of choline in pregnancy is crucial because it helps the baby’s brain and spinal cord to develop properly. It also may protect the baby against neural tube defects. Pregnant women need approximately 450 milligrams of choline per day.

Researchers have found that pregnant and breastfeeding women who consume eggs on a regular basis are more likely to have their choline requirement met. Eggs have been identified by experts as a strong source of choline and have much more choline content than other common food sources like milk.

How Much Choline Does a Person Need?

The choline intake needed varies by age and gender. 

Choline intake via eggs is quite safe for most children.  ISE eggs are safe and can be given to babies above the age of six months when cooked properly.