Choline kidney function

Choline is considered to be an important member of the vitamin B complex, since most animals, when given diets low in this compound, develop deficiency characterized by fatty livers and hemorrhagic lesions of the kidney. Choline is believed to function in at least three ways (1) as an integral part of acetylcholine, (2) as a source of labile methyl groups, and (3) in stimulating the formation of phospholipids. 

Choline, an essential nutrient for humans, is consumed in many foods. It is part of several major phospholipids (including phosphatidylcholine - also called lecithin) that are critical for normal membrane structure and function. Also, as the major precursor of betaine it is used by the kidney to maintain water balance and by the liver as a source of methyl groups for the removal of homocysteine in methionine formation. Finally, choline is used to produce the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine (catalyzed by choline acetyltransferase in cholinergic neurons and in such non-nervous tissues as the placenta). Each of these functions for choline is absolutely vital for the maintenance of normal function. 

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