Nutrition to Support Brain Health & Offset Brain Injuries
Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin
Functions of Choline in Brain Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
Choline plays multiple vital roles in brain health, including the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier by preventing membrane breakdown. It serves as the primary precursor to acetylcholine, a critical neurotransmitter responsible for neuronal signaling. Choline also contributes to the production of the antioxidant glutathione. Research indicates that a higher dietary intake of choline correlates with reduced biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's and dementia, suggesting its potential protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. In terms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), choline exhibits promise; CDP choline, a notable form of choline, has shown effectiveness in randomized controlled trials, with a meta-analysis revealing a 20% success rate in TBI treatment. Animal studies demonstrating dosages of 100 mg/kg/day have indicated improvements in spatial memory, while high human dosage studies (up to 1 gram/day) have yielded significant boosts in recognition memory in mild TBI cases. Studies also suggest that doses around 250 mg can aid in reducing blood-brain barrier breakdown and neuronal death post-injury, reflecting the diverse benefits of choline supplementation for brain health and recovery from injury.
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