Choline

Image:Choline.png Choline is a quaternarysaturated aminewith the chemical formula

(CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OHX^-.

where X^- is a counterion such as chlorine (see choline chloride), hydroxideor tartrate. Choline was discovered by Strecker in 1862and chemically synthesized in 1866. In 1998choline was classified as an essential nutrientby the Food and Nutrition Boardof the Institute of Medicine(U.S.A.) and Adequate Intakes (AI) have been established. Choline and its metabolites are needed for three main physiological purposes: structural integrity and signaling roles for cell membranes, cholinergic neurotransmission(acetylcholinesynthesis), and as a major source for methyl-groups via its metabolite, betainethat participates in the S-adenosylmethioninesynthesis pathways.

es:Colina fr:Choline lt:Cholinas nl:Choline

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choline Wikipedia article Choline.