Choline, Inositol and PABA: B-Complex Vitamins

Choline, Inositol and PABA: B-Complex Vitamins
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History and Description

Scientists discovered choline in 1862 and synthesized it soon after. Since the body can make choline from various compounds, scientists debated over whether choline is an essential nutrient. Scientists discovered that when human cells are grown outside of the body, choline plays a vital role in their survival. When other primates lack choline in their diet, it results in liver failure. There are studies that show that during times of human growth and development, the body can’t make enough choline in order to supply the amount that the body needs. Thus, it seems that a source of choline other than the body’s own production is necessary.

Benefits and Uses

Choline and inositol help the body use cholesterol and fat and may help to prevent or alleviate the overabundance of fat in the liver. Choline helps transport the fats while inositol helps to synthesize phospholipids, which helps the body to utilize fat. Colin helps the body to manufacture acetylcholine, which is involved in the nervous system. A deficiency in choline may result in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s chorea. One study demonstrated that children who were given high doses of choline daily saw a great improvement in their delayed development.

Inositol may be able to treat a obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and depression. One study showed that inositol was just as effective as fluvoxamine in treating depression. This makes inositol favorable for those who don’t want to take prescription medications.

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) helps the body to formulate folic acid and metabolize protein. Animal studies have shown that PABA can combat gray hair; however, it may not affect humans the same way. Many sunscreens contain PABA because it can help protect the skin against the damages of the sun.

Neither of these three nutrients, choline, PABA or inositol have an established Recommended Daily Intake.

Nuts, legumes, milk, organ meats, liver and eggs are all foods that contain choline. Lecithin is also a good source of choline. The bacteria in the intestine breakdown choline and can make it unusable by the body.

References

Lieberman, Shari, The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book

Reinhard, Tonia, The Vitamin Sourcebook

Disclaimer

The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed.