− | '''Choline''', also referred to as '''vitamin B<sub>4</sub>''', is considered an '''essential vitamin-like substance for dogs and cats'''. It is '''soluble in water''' and often included with B vitamin supplement mixtures. Most animals are able to synthesise some choline endogenously during degradation of phospholipids in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]. Free choline is released during metabolism of phosphotidylcholine and sphingomyelin, which can then be reincorporated into a new phospholipid or used as choline or the choline metabolite, betaine<ref>Zeisel SH. Choline: clinical nutrigenetic/nutrigenomic approaches for identification of functions and dietary requirements. World Rev Nutr Diet 2010;101:73-83. </ref><ref name="NRC">National Research Council (NRC). Vitamins. In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats. 2006 Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.231-234.</ref>. | + | '''Choline''', also referred to as '''vitamin B<sub>4</sub>''', is considered an '''[[Nutrition Glossary#Essential Nutrients|essential]] vitamin-like substance for dogs and cats'''. It is '''soluble in water''' and often included with B vitamin supplement mixtures. Most animals are able to synthesise some choline endogenously during degradation of phospholipids in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]. Free choline is released during metabolism of phosphotidylcholine and sphingomyelin, which can then be reincorporated into a new phospholipid or used as choline or the choline metabolite, betaine<ref>Zeisel SH. Choline: clinical nutrigenetic/nutrigenomic approaches for identification of functions and dietary requirements. World Rev Nutr Diet 2010;101:73-83. </ref><ref name="NRC">National Research Council (NRC). Vitamins. In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats. 2006 Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.231-234.</ref>. |