Biochemistry

Biological role. Choline takes part in the metabolism of fats, promotes the formation of lecithin, a lipotropic factor in the liver, and prevents fatty degeneration of the liver. Choline is required for synthesis of the biologically active substance acetylcholine, a transmitter of nervous excitation. There is evidence of its positive effect on growth processes and the body's defense systems. Choline deficiency. A lack of choline or methionine in food for a long time can lead to a deficiency of this vitamin in the body, especially with a simultaneous low intake of vitamin Bi 2and folic acid. Choline deficiency is most often combined with protein deficiency. The most characteristic symptom of choline deficiency is fatty degeneration of the liver, which causes a violation of its important functions (in particular, glycogen deposition, prothrombin synthesis), and subsequently to the death of some cells, the development of connective tissue (cirrhosis). With a lack of choline, kidney function is also impaired. Daily intake of choline is an average of 250-600 mg for adults. It increases with hard physical work, in conditions of high air temperature (work in hot shops, hot climate). A sufficient dietary protein rich in methionine, vitamin B] 2and folic acid reduces the body's need for choline, and an excess of thiamine and niacin increases. Sources. Choline is found in the liver, kidneys, meat, herring, egg yolk, fatty cottage cheese, legumes, cabbage. It absorbed in the small intestine. Part of choline is foiined in the body from the amino acid methionine. Inositol. This substance belongs to vitamin В complex found seven optically active forms, and one pair of optically active isomers. Structure and physicochemical properties. Inositol is a cyclic hexatomic alcohol cyclohexane. Inositol is highly soluble in water. Under the influence of heat treatment, products are destroyed by 50%. 270