Changes

==What is Choline?==

==What is Choline?==

'''Choline''', also referred to as '''vitamin B4''', 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. Free choline is release 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 B₄''', 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. Free choline is release 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>.

==Why is it Important?==

==Why is it Important?==

==Consequences of Choline Deficiency==

==Consequences of Choline Deficiency==

Choline requirements are dependent on other methyl containing dietary compounds, such as [[Methionine and Cysteine - Nutrition|methionine]], Vitamin B12, folate, and lecithin (phosphotidylcholine).  

Choline requirements are dependent on other methyl containing dietary compounds, such as [[Methionine and Cysteine - Nutrition|methionine]], Vitamin B₁₂, folate, and lecithin (phosphotidylcholine).  

====Dogs:====  

====Dogs:====  

Puppies fed a choline deficient diet developed fatty accumulation within the liver; death occurred within 3 weeks of initiating feeding a choline deficient diet. Adult dogs fed choline deficient diets can develop hypocholesterolaemia, experience increased liver enzyme activities, vomiting, and fatty liver<ref name="NRC"/>.

Puppies fed a choline deficient diet developed fatty accumulation within the liver; death occurred within 3 weeks of initiating feeding a choline deficient diet. Adult dogs fed choline deficient diets can develop hypocholesterolaemia, experience increased liver enzyme activities, vomiting, and fatty liver<ref name="NRC"/>.