Acetylcholine Deficiency – Causes, Symptoms and treatments

The neurotransmitter known as Acetylcholine plays key roles throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Acetylcholine is known for its role in allowing the brain to process and access information. The regulation of this neurotransmitter may impact both our physical and mental health.

Consequently, Acetylecholine deficiency has been associated with a variety of maladies relating to neurological and muscular function.

Primarily found in the central nervous system, the precursors of acetylcholine go through several stages before becoming available to the brain. The main precursor for acetylcholine in an essential nutrient called choline.

Choline has been studied for over a hundred years and supplementation may help combat some Acetylcholine deficiencies. Although choline is made in the body, the amount synthesized is small.

Therefore, Choline should be consumed in the foods we eat or supplemented to avoid symptoms caused by Acetylcholine deficiency.

Acetylcholine Precursors

Cholinergic Supplement

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How It Works:

• Supports memory and synaptic plasticity
• Raises acetylcholine levels
• Promotes brain health and focus

Dosage:

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Acetylcholine Deficiency

Choline can increase Acetylcholine production if levels are low in the brain.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that transmits nerve impulse across synapses in the brain and throughout the nervous system.

The functions of neurotransmitters are extremely complex. The effect of neurotransmitters depends largely upon their concentration and the types and number of receptors available in the brain.

To complicate matters further, some neurotransmitters can affect the levels of other neurotransmitters, and the same neurotransmitter can have different effects on different types of cells.

Acetylcholine, for example, directly regulates muscle contractions in the parasympathetic nervous system. However, in the brain, Acetylcholine function is not as direct or simple.

In the cerebral cortex of the brain, Acetylcholine may work to indirectly inhibit or stimulate certain mental states. For instance, acetylcholine may support mood regulation, which in turn may help prevent depressive episodes.

Choline is sometimes called the “brain vitamin” since it is used to from Acetylcholine which plays a role in mood regulation and has been studied for its effects on anxiety and depression. Individuals deficient in acetylcholine may experience symptoms of excessive fatigue, severe anxiety, memory loss, and mood swings.

Subsequently, acetylcholine deficiency may become a condition that needs supplementation in addition to a healthy diet rich in choline.

Some of the top symptoms of an Acetylcholine deficiency include:

• “Brain fog”
• Poor short term memory and recall
• Trouble concetrating
• Fatigue
• Slow or confused thinking
• Dry mouth

A Healthy Diet to Combat Acetylcholine Deficiency

In a healthy diet, adequate amounts of choline can be achieved or otherwise supplemented. To increase acetylcholine in the body, look for foods rich is essential fatty acids and B vitamins, particularly choline.

Essential fatty acids can be found in many vegetables, meats, and seafood, including: beef, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, butter, broccoli, cod, egg yolk, flax seed, lentils, liver, milk, grains, potatoes, salmon, shrimp, and soybeans.

As choline is derived from lecithin, the addition of this organic substance during food processing may make some processed foods more choline friendly.

When it comes to choline levels in meat, the best source is liver because choline is metabolized in the liver of animals. For example, beef liver can contain as much as 330 mg per serving, and poultry liver between 200-330 mg per serving. Seafood also contains choline, along with many other essential fatty acids. Fresh Atlantic salmon, cod and shrimp contain 50-150 mg of choline and sockeye salmon may contain as much as 220 mg per serving.

Although egg yolks have gotten a bad reputation for years because of their cholesterol content, research has indicated that lifestyle and genetics play a major role in cholesterol levels, not eating foods high in essential fatty acids and cholesterol. This is good news because egg yolks are a great source of choline, with one large egg containing as much as 120 mg, a quarter of an average daily intake.

Some vegetables are also choline sources: dark green leafy vegetables and cauliflower are great sources of B vitamins and choline. A cup of cauliflower contains up to 400 mg and broccoli up to 225 mg.

Supplementing for Acetylcholine Deficiency

The first step in improving choline levels is eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients.

However the modern diet can often be deficient in choline. It is estimated that as much as 90% of the population does not get enough choline from food alone and is at least mildly choline deficient.

If you are unable to obtain enough choline from your diet, supplementation may be the next best option. Supplementing choline to a healthy diet rich in nutrients may help treat or prevent sign and symptoms of Acetylcholine deficiency.

There are several brands of Choline that can be purchased in different forms with lecithin being the most popular. On average, a healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids contains 200-600 mg of Choline per day.

The adequate daily choline intake is approximately 550 mg per day for men, 425 mg for women, and 550 mg for pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Getting Acetylcholine levels back on track may help improve sleep, regulate mood, and keep liver health in check. In order to combat Acetylcholine deficiencies, Choline may be taken orally until symptoms of deficiency subside.

Choline is sold as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Choline as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Side Effects from Acteylcholine Supplements

Acetylcholine is made naturally in the body from choline. Since it is a common compound in the body, choline is likely safe when taken as a supplement to combat acetylcholine deficiency symptoms. However, possible side effects may include gastrointestinal issues, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea and possible increased risk of colon cancer.

Those with certain gastrointestinal conditions and known allergies to supplements should consult a healthcare provider before beginning supplementation for Acetylcholine deficiency.

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