Memory Vitamin (Choline nickname)
Choline is a nutrient (usually grouped with B-complex vitamins) that can be found in milk, eggs and peanuts. Choline has been called the “memory vitamin” since at least 1998. Studies of college students have shown that students who took choline supplements scored higher on memory tests.
Other vitamin nicknames include “Anti-Infective Vitamin” (Vitamin A), “Anti-Sterility Vitamin” (Vitamin E), “Anti-Stress Vitamin” (Vitamin B5), “Forgotten Vitamin” (Vitamin K), “Morale Vitamin” (Vitamin B1), “Sunshine Vitamin” (Vitamin D), “Vitamin of Memory” (Vitamin B1) and “Woman’s Vitamin” (Vitamin B6).
Wikipedia: Choline
Choline is a water-soluble essential nutrient. It is usually grouped within the B-complex vitamins. Choline generally refers to the various quaternary ammonium salts containing the N,N,N-trimethylethanolammonium cation. (X− on the right denotes an undefined counteranion).
The cation appears in the head groups of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, two classes of phospholipid that are abundant in cell membranes. Choline is the precursor molecule for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is involved in many functions including memory and muscle control.
Choline must be consumed through the diet in order for the body to remain healthy. It is used in the synthesis of the constructional components in the body’s cell membranes. Despite the perceived benefits of choline, dietary recommendations have discouraged people from eating certain high choline foods, such as egg and fatty meats. The 2005 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey stated that only 2% of postmenopausal women consume the recommended intake for choline.
History
Choline was discovered by Adolph Strecker in 1864 and chemically synthesized in 1866. In 1998 choline was classified as an essential nutrient by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (USA).
Choline’s importance as a nutrient was first appreciated in the early research on insulin functions when choline was found to be the necessary nutrient in preventing fatty liver. In 1975 scientists discovered that the administration of choline increased the synthesis and release of acetylcholine by neurons. These discoveries lead to the increased interest in dietary choline and brain function.
BrainyChild
Choline the “Memory Vitamin” for your child
Experts believe exposure to Choline during early development can increase memory capability.
Google Books
I Want My Body Back:
Nutrition and Weight Loss for Mothers
By Colleen A. Sundermeyer
New York, NY: Berkeley Publishing Group
1998
Pg. 69:
Choline. or. Lecithin: Emotional-Control. Nutrient.
Choline is referred to as the “memory vitamin” and is present in all living cells. Your body can synthesize choline from the amino acid glycine.
Google News Archive
3 November 2001, Philippine Daily Inquirer (Makati City, Philippines), pg. B3, col. 1:
Choline, better known as the “memory vitamin” plays an important role in the formation of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This is known to improve cognitive performance, helping bring about better mental concentration.
Doctor NDTV
Is egg yolk bad for health?
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Answered by: Ms. Neesha Bukht Choksy
(...)
Eggs are rich in choline which is a memory vitamin and also in lutein and zeaxanthin which are anitoxidants.
Urduworld.com Forum
JANAT KI TALASH
07-15-2010 06:04 PM
(...)
Egg yolks are one of nature’s richest sources of choline, a B vitamin. Choline is a building block of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for memory, learning, and thinking. Not for nothing is choline called the “memory vitamin.” More than 90 percent of Americans are choline-deficient.
Google Books
The Men’s Health Big Book of Food & Nutrition:
Your completely delicious guide to eating well, looking great, and staying lean for life!
By Joel Weber and Mike Zimmerman
New York, NY: Rodale
2011
Pg. 355:
Choline
Choline is the memory vitamin. Studies have shown that college students given 3 to 4 grams of choline 1 hour before taking memory tests scored higher than those who didn’t receive the supplements.