Choline Side Effects

Choline or lipotropic factor is a substance that is similar to B vitamins. Despite its use in alternative medicine to treat asthma, high cholesterol and cerebellar ataxia, choline poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Significance

• Side effects from choline are most common when the supplement is taken at high doses, explains RxList.

Types

• Possible side effects of choline include sweating, stomach pains, increased salivation, loss of appetite, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting and a fishy body odor.

Allergies

• Some patients develop an allergic reaction to choline, causing shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, chest pain and skin hives, according to the Physicians Desktop Reference.

Risks

• A 2007 study conducted by the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that women who consumed high amounts of choline were at an increased risk for developing colon cancer.

Considerations

• Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid taking choline supplements if you are pregnant or nursing, suggests the Physicians Desktop Reference. Talk to your doctor before starting a choline regimen, particularly if you take an prescription medications or have a chronic medical condition like hear disease.