Overview
Essential nutrient for cell membranes, methylation, and acetylcholine synthesis.
- Egg yolk
- Liver
- Beef
- Soy
- Choline bitartrate
- Citicoline
- Alpha-GPC
- Phosphatidylcholine
Mechanism of action
Precursor to acetylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, and methyl donor (via betaine).
- · Acetylcholine synthesis
- · Phospholipid synthesis
- · Methylation
- · Acetylcholine
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Citicoline improves attention post-stroke.
Deficiency causes NAFLD.
Evidence-based benefits
Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition
Moderate evidenceAdequate intake reduces NAFLD risk
Moderate evidencePotential side effects
- · Fishy odor at high doses (bitartrate)
- · Hypotension
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
- Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.
- Milk thistle (silymarin)Complementary hepatoprotective antioxidant pathways.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.
Third-party testedIndependently verified Choline — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Choline third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Choline capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Choline capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Choline powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Choline powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Choline products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Choline best sellerScientific evidence9Show studiesHide studies
Choline: pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review
Examine.com Research Team
Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Choline, including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.
Best-supported outcome: Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition (evidence: moderate). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.
PubMed: Choline — Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition
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Live results for "Choline Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
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PubMed: Choline — Adequate intake reduces NAFLD risk
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PubMed: Choline — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Choline — meta-analysis
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PubMed: Choline — pharmacokinetics
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PubMed: Choline — safety adverse events
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PubMed: Choline — dose response
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Google Scholar: Choline — clinical evidence
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Cross-database citation index for Choline as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.