Alternative Names & Classifications:
Dietary Choline Deficiency (CLINICAL)
Description
Choline is a quasi-vitamin essential for structural cell membrane integrity (as phosphatidylcholine), neurotransmitter synthesis (acetylcholine), and lipid transport from the liver. Though the body can synthesize small amounts, dietary intake is required. Deficiency primarily impacts long-term total parenteral nutrition patients or those with severe genetic polymorphisms affecting choline metabolism, resulting directly in liver and muscle necrosis.