What Foods Contain Choline?

Choline is a compound that plays a major part in how foods are metabolized and utilized in the body. It is often categorized as a B vitamin because both function similarly. There are many foods that are sources of choline.

Identification

• Choline is most prevalent in raw egg yolks, fried, raw or hard-boiled eggs, and braised or fried beef, veal or chicken liver. Choline is also found in high levels in turkey liver, bacon, salmon, trout, caribou, wheat germ and soy flour.

Considerations

• Lower levels of choline are found in foods such as wild plums, microwave butter popcorn, boxed macaroni and cheese, fast food fried chicken, milk chocolate candy, raw peanuts, pinto beans and egg noodles. Fast food junkies may be pleased to know that minimal amounts of choline can be found in pizzas, cheeseburgers and breakfast biscuits stacked with eggs, cheese and sausage or bacon.

Significance

• Choline is essential for metabolism and transmission of nerve signals to and from the brain.

Function

• Choline is used by the kidneys to maintain water balance. It also transports fats from the liver, prevents gallstones and controls cholesterol levels and weight.

Effects

• Choline has been shown to play a key role in fetal brain development and is demanded more in a woman's body when she is pregnant or breastfeeding.