Choline or C5H14NO is an essential nutrient that helps the body utilize fats and cholesterol. Specifically, it stops fats from accumulating in the liver and helps them get into the cells. C5H14NO is necessary for the health of the liver, the kidneys and the protective myelin sheathing around the nerve cells.
A 1983 study seemed to link C5H14NO to heart disease. Dietary choline comes in the form of phosphatidylcholine, or lecithin. Some medical researchers believe that when it reaches the gut, the bacteria there turn it into C5H14NO and a gas called trimethylamine.
The latter is then sent to the liver. This detoxifies it and turns it into a compound called trimethylamine oxide, or TMAO. It’s this latter, the researchers claim, that causes heart problem risks.
Now, a new research from Cleveland Clinic specialists took a further look at the effects of C5H14NO. Study results were released in a paper in the Circulation journal.
New Study Links Choline To The Increase In Blod Cloths
The study involved 18 volunteers and was led by Dr. Stanley Hazen. All the research participants were given choline supplements or 500 mg on a daily basis. Reportedly, after a month, the blood of the participants was more likely to clot.
This was determined as the team analyzed the volunteers’ TMAO levels. These were seen to have a ten-fold increase. At least when compared to their levels before the study. Dr. Hazen stated that the TMAO probably “supercharges” the platelet function. More exactly:
“What is clear from this study is if you increase the choline in your diet, the TMAO level goes up and that changes your platelet function.”
However, there are still many variables that must be taken into account. For example, the team stated that vegan or vegetarian participants had lower choline levels even after taking the supplements. This is because C5H14NO is more common in meats, eggs, and dairy. It is also abundant in foods such as liver, red meats, or egg yolks, among others.
Also, the research team pointed out the following facts. Taking the supplements did not actually increase the participants’ risk of heart problems. However, it did raise their TMAO and their risk of developing blood clots. The researchers stated that their study is based on a small number of participants and was not that long. Not enough to determine a link between choline and heart disease.
As it is, more studies on the matter are needed. Choline is still an essential nutrient as it was shown that, in low levels, it does actually lead to heart problems, among others. Still, the team states that people should not consume excessive C5H14NO. The substance can be naturally taken in from foods, and supplements should be used only if prescribed by the doctor.
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Roxanne Briean
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