The History of Choline Chloride
Choline was first isolated from pig bile in 1849, however, choline's role in nutrition was not known until the 1930s' following the discovery of insulin. It was observed that fatty degeneration of the liver associated with insulin deprivation in dogs could be corrected by feeding not only raw pancreas, but also lecithin. Researchers noted the "lipotropic" effect of choline in rats fed added cholesterol and that protein supplementation also protected against fatty liver.
Choline may mistakenly be referred to as vitamin B4, although it acts more like an amino acid or an essential fatty acid. Based on its biological activity, it fits neither of these nutrient classifications. However, its classification is not nearly as important as understanding its biological function.
Choline is found in many feedstuffs and its content has been standardized and reported by the National Research Council. However, variation of bioavailability and content of choline in feedstuffs occurs due to variation in prevailing crop growth conditions such as climate, cultivar, soil, location, fertilizer and other farming practices.
It is generally accepted that feedstuffs alone cannot satisfy the animal's needs for choline. Thus, the direct supplementation of animal diets with choline chloride products has become an economical means of providing additional quantities of this essential nutrient to growing animals.
Since the discovery that choline plays a major role in reducing the accumulation of fat in the liver, the role of choline in nutrition continues to be investigated. As a result, other functions of choline in animal as well as human nutrition have been discovered. Choline deficiency in domestic animals is fairly well documented and is preventable by the addition of choline to the diet. Research in human nutrition has focused on the potential for choline to alleviate and prevent various disease conditions.
Although many of these investigations are in their infancy, research has provided further information concerning the importance of choline in biological systems. To view our comprehensive reference for Choline Chloride, click here to download Choline: Functions and Requirements.
