Essential brain nutrients
Choline
Introduction to Choline
Choline is required for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a critical chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) involved in learning, memory, and muscle movement (1). It is also a key component of structural elements in cell membranes (2). Choline, like all other substances in Axolt’s formulation, is naturally found in the body. Sources of dietary choline include eggs, liver, and soybeans. Supplementation may help ensure sufficient choline intake for supporting brain health and function. It is especially important during fetal development for brain formation and plays a role throughout life in maintaining cognitive health (3).
Role in Brain Health
Choline plays an integral role in producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for memory and focus (1, 4). It supports the integrity of neuronal membranes and the healthy functioning of glial cells in the brain (2, 5). Choline helps control homocysteine levels in the body, which protects blood vessels from damage and supports the brain's protective barrier (blood-brain barrier) (6).
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced when the body metabolizes protein-rich foods like meat and fish. Elevated homocysteine levels can have negative effects on vascular and brain health. Choline, along with vitamins B6 and B9 (included in Axolt’s formula), plays a role in maintaining healthy homocysteine levels, supporting brain health (7).
Axolt Formulation Principles
Axolt takes a systemic approach by combining carefully selected ingredients to enhance brain health. Choline is paired with phosphatidylserine (PS) and B-vitamins to create a comprehensive solution (8, 9). These ingredients work synergistically to support brain function. Traditionally, supplements include only one of these ingredients due to cost, but Axolt combines them to unlock their synergistic benefits.
PS strengthens brain cell membranes and supports cognitive function, while choline boosts acetylcholine production, a key neurochemical for memory and focus (1, 4). Together, these premium ingredients form the top of Axolt’s long-term brain health pyramid, supporting memory, focus, and cognitive performance.
Core Benefits and Claims
- Supports memory and learning through acetylcholine production (1, 4).
- Supports the structure and repair of brain cell membranes (2, 5).
- Helps regulate homocysteine levels, supporting vascular and brain health (6)
- Supports production of insulation layer around synapses (myelin sheet) for efficient signaling (10).
Resources
1. Sam C, Bordoni B. Physiology, Acetylcholine. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557825/
2. Mashanov GI, Nenasheva TA, Mashanova A, Lape R, Birdsall NJM, Sivilotti L, Molloy JE. Heterogeneity of cell membrane structure studied by single molecule tracking. Faraday Discuss. 2021 Dec 24;232(0):358-374. doi: 10.1039/d1fd00035g. PMID: 34647559; PMCID: PMC8704140.
3. Hoffman MC, Olincy A, D'Alessandro A, Reisz JA, Hansen KC, Hunter SK, Freedman R, Ross RG. Effects of phosphatidylcholine and betaine supplements on women's serum choline. J Nutr Intermed Metab. 2019 Jun;16:100094. doi: 10.1016/j.jnim.2019.100094. Epub 2019 Mar 6. PMID: 36330042; PMCID: PMC9629794.
4. Derbyshire E, Obeid R. Choline, Neurological Development and Brain Function: A Systematic Review Focusing on the First 1000 Days. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 10;12(6):1731. doi: 10.3390/nu12061731. PMID: 32531929; PMCID: PMC7352907.
5. Gamage R, Wagnon I, Rossetti I, Childs R, Niedermayer G, Chesworth R, Gyengesi E. Cholinergic Modulation of Glial Function During Aging and Chronic Neuroinflammation. Front Cell Neurosci. 2020 Oct 15;14:577912. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2020.577912. PMID: 33192323; PMCID: PMC7594524.
6. Liu L, Lu Y, Bi X, Xu M, Yu X, Xue R, He X, Zang W. Choline ameliorates cardiovascular damage by improving vagal activity and inhibiting the inflammatory response in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Sci Rep. 2017 Feb 22;7:42553. doi: 10.1038/srep42553. PMID: 28225018; PMCID: PMC5320519.
7. Lee JE, Jacques PF, Dougherty L, Selhub J, Giovannucci E, Zeisel SH, Cho E. Are dietary choline and betaine intakes determinants of total homocysteine concentration? Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May;91(5):1303-10. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28456. Epub 2010 Mar 10. PMID: 20219967; PMCID: PMC2854904.
8. Vannucchi MG, Pepeu G. Effect of phosphatidylserine on acetylcholine release and content in cortical slices from aging rats. Neurobiol Aging. 1987 Sep-Oct;8(5):403-7. doi: 10.1016/0197-4580(87)90034-0. PMID: 3683721.
9. van Wijk N, Watkins CJ, Böhlke M, Maher TJ, Hageman RJ, Kamphuis PJ, Broersen LM, Wurtman RJ. Plasma choline concentration varies with different dietary levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid in rats maintained on choline-adequate diets. Br J Nutr. 2012 May;107(10):1408-12. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511004570. Epub 2011 Sep 15. PMID: 21917195.
10. Vereyken EJ, Fluitsma DM, Bolijn MJ, Dijkstra CD, Teunissen CE. An in vitro model for de- and remyelination using lysophosphatidyl choline in rodent whole brain spheroid cultures. Glia. 2009 Sep;57(12):1326-40. doi: 10.1002/glia.20852. PMID: 19191324.
