Deficiency and toxicity:There are no known toxic effects from choline, though high doses could aggravate epileptic conditions because of its nerve stimulation potential. Neither is there a common deficiency problem, though the therapeutic amounts utilized are usually much higher than those acquired through food or made in the body. There are not any specific symptoms attributed to choline deficiency. When choline is depleted, fat metabolism and utilization may be decreased, conceivably leading to fat accumulations. However, the main concern could involve loss of cell membrane integrity and the effects on the myelin covering of the nerves.

Requirements: No specific minimums for dietary choline are listed. The average needs seem to be about 500 mg. per day, which is about the least amount consumed in an average diet. It is often supplemented at 500 mg. along with the same amount of inositol because both are necessary for membrane integrity. Soy lecithin is the most common source for choline supplementation. One capsule of lecithin contains about 40–50 mg. of choline, while a tablespoon (5 grams) of lecithin has about 500 mg. of choline.

Therapeutic amounts of choline are usually in the 500–1,000 mg. area. More than this may produce some side effects and is likely not needed, although some experiments have utilized higher amounts. It is best taken with other B vitamins. If large amounts of lecithin are taken, more calcium is usually needed to balance the phosphorus contained in the lecithin. Additional choline may be needed when higher amounts of niacin, such as 1–3 grams daily, are taken to lower cholesterol levels Recently, high-quality, concentrated phosphatidylcholine capsules have become available for specific use of this nutrient in place of the more variable lecithin.