Vitamin B4

By Azamu ShahiullahBRAC University

Vitamin B4

B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism.

In general, supplements containing all eight are referred to as a vitamin B complex.

Vitamin B4

Sources B4 occurs naturally in plants, among them

1. Vegetables

2. fresh fruits

3. wild honey

4. whole grains

Vitamin B4

Additionally, a variety of herbs contain B4 including

1. Gingerblessed thistle

2. Burdock

3. Cloves

4. catnip.

Vitamin B4

Function B4 also called choline is water soluble and enters the

bloodstream immediately. It is one of the chemicals that enable

DNA and RNA to store and transmit genetic information.

B4 is also a component of ATP, a vital chemical that transfers energy during chemical reactions.

Vitamin B4

It alleviates fatigue promotes cell formation

lowers cholesterol levels increase the production of antibodies to

fight infections, assisting in the balance of blood sugar, and strengthening the immune system.

Vitamin B4

member of the B-complex family

known as one of the “lipotrophic” factors. Lipotrophic means that choline possesses properties that prevent the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver.

Vitamin B4

ChemistryCrucial component of the

neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is necessary for muscle movement and brain function.

Crucial component of phosphatidlycholine, which is necessary for cell membrane integrity.

Vitamin B4

Component of sphingomylelin, which is found in myelin sheaths (a type of insulating material) that protects and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Regulates liver function and minimizes excessive fat deposits. Necessary for normal fat metabolism.

Vitamin B4

Deficiency Alzheimer’s Parkinson’sCardiovascular diseaseAnxiety Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

(ADHD) Schizophrenia

Vitamin B4

CirrhosisEpilepsyFailure to thrive in newbornsHypertensionHypertriglyceridemiaInfertility and birth defectsMemory issuesArthrosclerosis

Vitamin B4

DosagesThe average dosage for vitamin B4 is

between 300 – 3500 mg, although it has been noted that benefits in memory issues such as Alzheimer’s are more pronounced at dosages closer to 5000 mg.

There was a study done where Alzheimer’s patients were given 9000 mg (9g) of choline citrate for twenty-one days with no reported negative side effects.

Vitamin B4

Toxicity

Vitamin B4 has no known toxicity, except at exceedingly high doses (5000 mg to 10,000+ mg.) The most prevalent side effect is gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and nausea.