Choline

X and I have endevoured into a discussion of Choline and acetylcholine. This has caused me to research the nutrient and which patients are going to respond well to it.

Choline is an essential nutrient that is widely distributed in foods,
principally in the form of phosphatidylcholine but also as free choline. It is
also found in foods in the form of the phospholipid sphingomyelin. Choline is
necessary for the structure and function of all cells and is crucial for
sustaining life.
Choline plays many roles in the body. The three major
metabolic functions of choline are as a precursor for phosphatidylcholine
biosynthesis, as a precursor for acetylcholine biosynthesis and as a methyl
donor. In addition to serving as a precursor for phosphatidylcholine, choline is
the precursor of the phospholipid sphingomyelin. Phosphatidylcholine and
sphingomyelin are structural components of biological membranes. These
phospholipids also serve as precursors for the intracellular messengers ceramide
and diacylglycerol. Choline is also the precursor of the signaling lipids,
platelet-activating factor (PAF) and sphingosylphosphoryl-choline.Choline is involved in several basic biological processes. Choline is a major part of the polar head group of phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine's role in the maintenance of cell membrane integrity is vital to all of the basic biological processes: information flow, intracellular communication and bioenergetics. Inadequate choline intake would negatively affect all these processes. Choline is also a major part of another membrane phospholipid, sphingomyelin, also important for the maintenance of cell structure and function. It is noteworthy and not surprising that choline deficiency in cell culture causes apoptosis or programmed cell death. This appears to be due to abnormalities in cell membrane phosphatidylcholine content and an increase in ceramide, a precursor, as well as a metabolite, of sphingomyelin. Ceramide accumulation, which is caused by choline deficiency, appears to activate a caspase, a type of enzyme that mediates apoptosis.
Evidence is mounting that an elevated homocysteine level is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, as well as other cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Betaine or trimethylglycine is derived from choline via an oxidation reaction. Betaine is one of the factors that maintains low levels of homocysteine by resynthesizing L-methionine from homocysteine.
Acetylcholine is one of the major neurotransmitters and requires choline for its synthesis. Adequate acetylcholine levels in the brain are believed to be protective against certain types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Human studies are needed to determine whether dietary choline might be useful in the prevention of dementia.

The interesting thing is that I used to take DMAE. I stopped, becuase it was very expensive and becuase I never understoof its purpose. Now I might try it again, or at least finish the amount I have left over. It might take the edge off, the edge that results from too much norepinephrine. I have been lately concerned about this, as stressors, even slight ones, still result in a stronger than expected fight or flight response. This used to be unmanageable, and I was only able to tolerate the company of a new person for a couple of seconds before my adrenal glads would start pumping and my face would get hot from the blood from my kicking heart. Today, these days, it is manageable, but too many stressors, too many stimuli, and I get overwhelmed. The symtoms are similar each time, tightness in the muscles, headaches from the muscle tightness in the scalp and neck, abdominal discomfort, trouble breathing, visual disturbances, followed by profound exhaustion or panic attacks. my work schedule has had me on the brink all weel long, and the week before that, and the week before that. Its not that I am hoping ot avoid stress, but I have said time adn time again that Sz is perhaps best understood as a stress management disorder. What I want is a healthy response to the stress. Or at least a way to manage it until my body can. And no, drinking does no good at all. Talk to a h'delic..they might be able to help you.

Maybe Choline could help:

Phosphatidyl choline is also very effective in protecting DHA/EPA from free
radical oxidative stress..... another good reason to take it. In my experience
DMAE is especially effective for increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain,
since it passes the blood/brain barrier & converts to choline. I like
to use this for overmethylated persons who have excessive dopamine and
norepinephrine levels. However, enhancing acetylcholine activity must be avoided
in persons who genetically are overloaded in this NT. Choline, DMAE, and
phosphatidyl choline can cause nasty symptoms in these persons (about 10% of the
population).Persons with innately high acetylcholine levels tend to be very
terse and sometimes nearly catatonic. They have very high anxiety, but
usually keep it inside. They also usually have a history of seasonal allergies,
perfectionism, and OCD tendencies. Increasing acetylcholine activity can be a
disaster for them.Those deficient in acetylcholine usually present with nervous
legs, are prone to pacing, and are quite voluble. Their misery is plain to
everyone. Therapies to increase acetylcholine activity can be extraordinarily
helpful for this population. (March
6, 2003)

But Dr. Walsh, its a methyl donor. what gives? I think this is X's point. Perhaps he would like to respond, as I will begrudglingly admit that his research is currently better than mine and unclouded by my PTC bias.