The market situation for Choline bitartrate is currently dynamic and multifaceted. Choline bitartrate, a compound commonly used as a dietary supplement and cognitive enhancer, has gained popularity both online and offline.
Online, numerous vendors are offering Choline bitartrate for sale, making it easily accessible to consumers looking to buy this supplement. These online platforms serve as a convenient marketplace, allowing buyers to compare prices, read reviews, and make informed purchases.
Choline bitartrate has also garnered attention in the realm of research chemicals and designer drugs, with some individuals exploring its potential off-label uses. This has led to increased demand for the substance in certain circles, further driving its availability in online marketplaces.
However, buyers should exercise caution when purchasing Choline bitartrate online. Ensuring the product’s quality and authenticity is crucial, as the market may also attract sellers offering subpar or counterfeit products. Consumers need to research their chosen vendor and verify the product’s authenticity to guarantee a safe and reliable purchase.
In summary, the market situation for Choline bitartrate is characterized by a growing online presence, with numerous sellers offering it for sale. While this accessibility benefits many, potential buyers should remain vigilant to ensure they are purchasing a genuine and high-quality product, particularly in the context of its use as a research chemical or designer drug.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 Chemistry
- 3 Pharmacology
- 4 Subjective effects
- 5 Toxicity
- 6 Legal status
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 1. What is choline, and why is it important?
- 7.2 2. Where can I find choline in my diet?
- 7.3 3. What are the health benefits of choline?
- 7.4 4. Is choline safe to consume as a supplement?
- 7.5 5. Can choline supplements improve cognitive function or memory?
- 7.6 6. Is choline suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
- 7.7 7. What is the recommended daily intake of choline?
- 7.8 8. Are there any interactions or contraindications with medications?
- 7.9 9. Can I get choline from lecithin supplements?
- 7.10 10. Where can I purchase choline supplements?
- 8 References
Summary
Choline is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine within the brain. It holds essential status as a nutrient for human health, with established benefits in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and various other pathological conditions. Additionally, choline contributes to the synthesis of components found in cell membranes. Typically, choline is not sold in its free base form; instead, it is usually combined with an acid to create a stable salt, such as choline bitartrate, or converted into more complex structures like citicoline.
Choline supplementation finds application in the treatment of various medical conditions, including liver disorders, hepatitis, glaucoma, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, and potentially other neurological disorders. Furthermore, it has demonstrated positive effects on individuals dealing with alcoholism.
As a supplement, choline has garnered attention for its reported nootropic effects, which enhance cognitive function. It is readily accessible and commonly available for this purpose through online supplement vendors. This accessibility has made choline supplementation a popular choice for individuals seeking cognitive enhancement and overall brain health support.
Chemistry
Choline comprises a quaternary ammonium group and an alcohol functional group, interconnected by an ethyl chain. Its positively charged cation can readily bond with negatively charged groups or atoms, forming various salts that can elicit diverse effects. For instance, choline chloride can create a unique low-melting deep eutectic solvent mixture when combined with urea, exhibiting atypical properties. The commonly encountered choline bitartrate presents as a white crystalline powder with a melting point falling within the range of 149-153 °C.
Like other salt forms, not all of the mass in a choline salt consists of choline itself. In the case of choline bitartrate, approximately 41.1% of its group corresponds to the choline cation, with the remaining portion consisting of the bitartrate anion (104.17/253.25 = 41.1%). When supplements adhere to US labeling standards, no conversion is necessary, as the provided quantity pertains to the choline content. It’s worth noting that the field of nutrition presently does not employ a similar conversion approach for non-salt forms of choline, such as phospholipid forms and Alpha-GPC.
Pharmacology
Choline and its metabolic derivatives serve three primary physiological functions:
- Phospholipid Synthesis: Choline plays a vital role in the production of various phospholipids, essential components of cell membranes, and signaling lipid rafts. These neural lipid rafts are gaining prominence in the field of psychiatry as their significance becomes increasingly recognized.
- Cholinergic Neurotransmission: Choline acts as a precursor for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter. Supplemental choline intake may facilitate the accumulation of higher acetylcholine levels than would otherwise occur. Given acetylcholine’s involvement in memory function, this mechanism potentially underlies its nootropic effects.
- Trimethylamine (Betaine) Production: Choline is instrumental in the generation of trimethylamine, which is essential for osmoregulation and also contributes to the synthesis of SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine).
Subjective effects
Disclaimer: The effects described below are sourced from the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), a database reliant on anecdotal user accounts and personal assessments from PsychonautWiki contributors. Consequently, they should be approached with a prudent level of skepticism.
It’s important to note that these effects may not manifest predictably or consistently, with higher doses more likely to encompass the full spectrum of products. Moreover, escalating doses increase the likelihood of adverse reactions, including addiction, severe harm, or even fatality ☠.
Physical:
- Stimulation: Choline’s stimulating effects are generally subtle, falling short of the intensity associated with caffeine.
- Headaches
- Alteration in Body Odor: Some individuals, particularly those afflicted with trimethylaminuria, experience changes in body odor. Choline serves as a precursor to trimethylamine, which some people have difficulty metabolizing, often leading to a distinct “fishy smell.”
Cognitive:
- Dream Potentiation
Toxicity
Since choline is a natural precursor to acetylcholine, a substance naturally occurring in the body, it is generally well-tolerated and unlikely to pose harm. Choline is non-addictive, does not have known neurotoxic effects, and exhibits an exceptionally low toxicity when considering the dosage. In line with many other nootropic substances, there are relatively few immediate physical side effects linked to acute choline exposure. Numerous studies have indicated that, when used in reasonable doses and under careful conditions, it does not produce adverse cognitive, psychiatric, or toxic physical outcomes.
It is strongly advised to practice harm reduction when using this substance.
Tolerance and Addiction Potential
Choline is not habit-forming, and the desire to use it may even diminish with continued usage. It tends to be self-regulating.
Tolerance to choline’s effects can develop after prolonged and repeated use. In such cases, it takes approximately seven days for the tolerance to decrease by half and 14 days to return to baseline levels (assuming no further consumption). Importantly, choline does not exhibit cross-tolerance with any other known compounds, meaning that its use does not diminish the effects of other psychoactive substances.
Legal status
Germany: Choline bitartrate holds approval as a dietary supplement within the country.
United States: Choline is legally recognized as a dietary supplement in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates the inclusion of choline in non-dairy infant formula.
FAQ
1. What is choline, and why is it important?
Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is needed for the synthesis of cell membranes and neurotransmitters and is involved in the transportation of lipids.
2. Where can I find choline in my diet?
Choline can be found in various foods, including eggs, meat, fish, dairy products, and some vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. It is also available in dietary supplements.
3. What are the health benefits of choline?
Choline is known to support liver health, aid in fetal brain development, and help with cognitive function. It may also play a role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects and fatty liver disease.
4. Is choline safe to consume as a supplement?
Choline supplements are generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. However, excessive intake may lead to side effects like fishy body odor, nausea, and diarrhea. It’s essential to follow dosage guidelines.
5. Can choline supplements improve cognitive function or memory?
Some studies suggest that choline supplementation may have nootropic effects and enhance memory function. However, individual responses may vary.
6. Is choline suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Choline is primarily found in animal-based foods, so vegetarians and vegans may need to pay extra attention to their choline intake. Plant-based sources like soybeans and quinoa can provide some choline, or they may consider choline supplements.
7. What is the recommended daily intake of choline?
The recommended daily intake of choline varies by age, sex, and life stage. In general, adult men should aim for about 550 milligrams per day, while adult women need around 425 milligrams. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may require more.
8. Are there any interactions or contraindications with medications?
Choline supplements are generally safe but may interact with certain medications, such as anticholinergic drugs. If you’re taking medications, consult with a healthcare professional before adding choline supplements to your routine.
9. Can I get choline from lecithin supplements?
Lecithin supplements contain phospholipids that include choline. While they can be a source of choline, the choline content may vary among products, so it’s essential to check the label.
10. Where can I purchase choline supplements?
Choline supplements are available in many health food stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. Be sure to choose reputable brands and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about using choline supplements.
References
- Zeisel, S. H., and da Costa, K.-A. (November 2009). “Choline: A Crucial Nutrient for Public Health.” Published in Nutrition Reviews, Volume 67 (Issue 11), Pages 615–623. DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x. ISSN: 0029-6643.
- Glier, M. B., Green, T. J., and Devlin, A. M. (January 2014). “Methyl Nutrients, DNA Methylation, and Their Impact on Cardiovascular Disease.” Published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, Volume 58 (Issue 1), Pages 172–182. DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201200636. ISSN: 1613-4125.
- Tolvanen, T., Yli-Kerttula, T., Ujula, T., Autio, A., Lehikoinen, P., Minn, H., and Roivainen, A. (May 2010). “Comparing Biodistribution and Radiation Dosimetry of [11C]choline Between Rat and Human Data.” Published in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Volume 37 (Issue 5), Pages 874–883. DOI: 10.1007/s00259-009-1346-z. ISSN: 1619-7070.
- Behari, J., Yeh, T.-H., Krauland, L., Otruba, W., Cieply, B., Hauth, B., Apte, U., Wu, T., Evans, R., and Monga, S. P. S. (February 2010). “Liver-Specific β-Catenin Knockout Mice: Implications for Bile Acid and Cholesterol Homeostasis and Susceptibility to Diet-Induced Steatohepatitis.” Published in The American Journal of Pathology, Volume 176 (Issue 2), Pages 744–753. DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090667. ISSN: 0002-9440.
- Chan, K. C., So, K., and Wu, E. X. (January 2009). “Revealing Choline Reduction in the Visual Cortex in an Experimental Model of Chronic Glaucoma Using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.” Published in Experimental Eye Research, Volume 88 (Issue 1), Pages 65–70. DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2008.10.002. ISSN: 0014-4835.
- Van Beek, A. H. E. A., and Claassen, J. A. H. R. (August 2011). “The Role of the Cholinergic Neural System in Cerebrovascular Function in Alzheimer’s Disease.” Published in Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 221 (Issue 2), Pages 537–542. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.12.047. ISSN: 0166-4328.
- Stoll, A. L., Sachs, G. S., Cohen, B. M., Lafer, B., Christensen, J. D., and Renshaw, P. F. (September 1996). “Choline in the Treatment of Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder: Clinical and Neurochemical Findings in Lithium-Treated Patients.” Published in Biological Psychiatry, Volume 40 (Issue 5), Pages 382–388. DOI: 10.1016/0006-3223(95)00423-8. ISSN: 0006-3223.
- Klatskin, G., and Krehl, W. A. (1 December 1954). “The Influence of Alcohol on the Requirement for Choline.” Published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, Volume 100 (Issue 6), Pages 615–627. DOI: 10.1084/jem.100.6.615. ISSN: 1540-9538.
- Nery, F. G., Stanley, J. A., Chen, H.-H., Hatch, J. P., Nicoletti, M. A., Serap Monkul, E., Lafer, B., and Soares, J. C. (April 2010). “A Study of Bipolar Disorder with Comorbid Alcoholism Using 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.” Published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 44 (Issue 5), Pages 278–285. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2009.09.006. ISSN: 0022-3956.
- Abbott, A. P., Capper, G., Davies, D. L., Rasheed, R. K., and Tambyrajah, V. (19 December 2003). “Novel Solvent Properties of Choline Chloride/Urea Mixtures.” Electronic supplementary information (ESI) is available. Published in Chemical Communications (Issue 1), Pages 70–71. DOI: 10.1039/b210714g. ISSN: 1359-7345.
- “Choline Bitartrate.” Chemical formula: C9H19NO7. [Website information omitted.]
- “USDA Database for the Choline Content of Common Foods, Release 2.” Published in USDA Ag Data Commons (in English), January 2008. Total choline content is calculated as the sum of Cho, GPC, Pcho, Ptdcho, and SM.
- Rucker RB, Zempleni J, Suttie JW, McCormick DB (2007). “Handbook of Vitamins” (4th ed.). Taylor & Francis. Pages 459–477. ISBN: 9780849340222.
- Wray, Nathan H., and Rasenick, Mark M. (2019). “Lipid Rafts in Psychiatry.” Published in Advances in Pharmacology, Volume 86, Pages 21–45. DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2019.04.001.
- Kashyap, A. S. (1 May 2000). “Fish Odour Syndrome.” Published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal, Volume 76 (Issue 895), Pages 318a–3318. DOI: 10.1136/pmj.76.895.318a. ISSN: 0032-5473.
- BVL 2018/01/004. [Link to the document provided.]
- United States Government Publishing Office (2017). [Link to the document provided.]