Abstract

Choline is an essential nutrient involved in membrane lipid formation, neurotransmission and one carbon metabolism. Most of dietary choline is produced from phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid abundant in eggs, meat and dairy products. Choline deficiency is implicated in neuronal development, liver disease, insulin resistance, muscle damage and choline is also vital during fetal development. The focus of this review is to shed light on the critical contributions of choline to membrane phosphatidylcholine formation and energy homeostasis. Moreover, this review will also focus on the role of choline in protecting against developmental disorders, particularly during pregnancy and fetal development while also focusing on adult onset metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic liver disease and diabetes.