Choline

Choline is an essential nutrient that is usually grouped with the [B-group vitamins](/glossary/b-group-vitamins), even though it is not technically a vitamin. It plays two structural and signalling roles: it is a building block of the phospholipids that make up cell membranes, and it is the precursor of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter. Its best-known job, though, is in the liver, where it helps package and ship fats out of the organ. When choline runs short, fat backs up inside the liver, a condition called hepatic steatosis or fatty liver. Choline does not work alone: it operates in a methylation network alongside folate and vitamin B12, supporting DNA synthesis and countless cellular reactions, and [methionine](/glossary/methionine) can supply substitute methyl groups when choline is limited, which is why the two requirements are linked. The liver can manufacture some choline when B12 and folate are present, but a dietary supply is still needed. Good food sources include egg yolk, liver, meat and soy lecithin. FEDIAF sets a minimum choline requirement for both dogs and cats, and that requirement rises when dietary methionine is low (FEDIAF, 2021). A well-formulated complete food covers the need comfortably; choline chloride is a common added form you may spot in an ingredient list. See the [Petipedia glossary](/glossary) for related nutrients.

Petipedia · Editorial team

General documentary information. For an individual animal, a veterinarian's advice takes precedence over any online content.