Vitamins
Choline
Also called: choline, citicoline, CDP-choline, alpha-GPC, choline bitartrate
A nutrient like a B vitamin, used for cell membranes, the liver and the brain chemical acetylcholine.
- Why people take it
- Memory, liver health, pregnancy.
- What the evidence says
- Important in pregnancy for the baby's brain. Citicoline shows some promise for memory in older adults; evidence is limited.
- How it is usually taken
- Usually 250 to 550 mg a day (choline bitartrate, citicoline or alpha-GPC). Found in eggs, meat, fish and soybeans.
- Be careful
- High doses cause a fishy body smell, sweating and low blood pressure.
- Medicines it can interact with
- No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Other vitamins
Common questions
What is Choline?
A nutrient like a B vitamin, used for cell membranes, the liver and the brain chemical acetylcholine.
Why do people take Choline?
Memory, liver health, pregnancy.
Does Choline work?
Important in pregnancy for the baby's brain. Citicoline shows some promise for memory in older adults; evidence is limited.
How much Choline do people take?
Usually 250 to 550 mg a day (choline bitartrate, citicoline or alpha-GPC). Found in eggs, meat, fish and soybeans.
Is Choline safe?
High doses cause a fishy body smell, sweating and low blood pressure.
Does Choline interact with medicines?
No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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