Choline bitartrate (2-hydroxyethyl(trimethyl)azanium, 2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxobutanoate) is a form of the nutrient choline which is found in foods. Choline is necessary for normal liver and kidney function and a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical that facilitates communication between the nerves and muscles.
Choline is an essential nutrient needed for the structural integrity and signaling functions of cell membranes; for normal cholinergic neurotransmission; for normal muscle function; for lipid transport from liver; and it is the major source of methyl groups in the diet[3].
Choline is critical for normal brain development. Choline deficiency has other health consequences—it is associated with liver and muscle damage and with an exaggerated plasma homocysteine rise after a methionine load. Elevated plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke in humans[3]. But choline bitartrate does not improve remembrance of spatial locations, declarative items, and verbal words[1].
[1] Lippelt DP, et al. PLoS One. 2016, 11(6):e0157714. [2] Schugar RC, et al. PLoS One. 2013, 8(8):e74806. [3] Zeisel SH, et al. Annu Rev Nutr. 2006, 26:229-50.