10 Best Choline Supplements

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in several processes throughout the body including liver function, nerve signaling, metabolism, and cell membrane integrity. Choline supplements provide a concentrated way to increase choline intake whether as a choline vitamin, choline supplement or choline tablets. The best choline supplements use highly absorbable forms like alpha-GPC or citicoline to enhance cognitive function, exercise performance, liver health, and prenatal development.

1. Thorne Phosphatidyl Choline

The best choline supplement is offered by the highly reputable brand Thorne. This phospholipid supplement comes in 60 gelcaps for under $30 and has a 4.5-star average rating. Customers of Thorne’s choline supplement note the formula’s ability to provide the key nutrient choline for promoting liver health and function. Thorne’s strong reputation for quality formulations is also well-regarded.

Thorne Phosphatidyl Choline
Thorne Phosphatidyl Choline

Key pros of this product appear to be the brand’s trustworthiness, the high-purity phospholipids content, and its positive effects on liver cell protection and bile flow. No major drawbacks are mentioned other than price comparisons, but that goes away when you purchase Thorne products through the Athletic Insight partnership.

For those prioritizing liver support and health, Thorne Phosphatidyl Choline delivers a premier phospholipid supplement backed by extensive quality testing. Thorne’s stellar reputation makes this a top choice.

2. Solgar Choline Inositol

The next item on the list comes from the brand Solgar. This combination supplement provides 500 mg each of the key nutrients choline and inositol for around $15 per 100 capsules. With a positive 4.7-star average rating, it is one of the highest quality choline/inositol formulas available (the highest on this list).

Solgar Choline Inositol
Solgar Choline Inositol

As members of the B-complex family, choline and inositol play critical roles in the structure and signaling of cell membranes throughout the body. Choline is particularly vital for liver health, helping protect liver cells and support healthy flow of bile. It also aids normal fat metabolism. Inositol complements choline by assisting with energy metabolism and nerve transmission.

Together, this powerhouse combo helps ensure optimal cell membrane integrity and function in the brain, nerves, liver and beyond. Customers report benefits such as enhanced mental energy, liver detoxification, and nervous system support from taking this potent 500 mg choline/500 mg inositol combination.

With over 70 years of nutritional expertise, Solgar adheres to unwavering quality standards. Their dedication to health-promoting supplementation makes Solgar Choline/Inositol an excellent choice for complete cell support.

3. Nested Naturals Choline

Next on the list is Nested Naturals Choline. This choline supplement from Nested Naturals provides 500 mg of choline bitartrate per serving for around $15 per bottle. With a 4.6-star average rating, it is a highly-rated choline option.

Nested Naturals Choline Bitartrate
Nested Naturals Choline

The formula is frequently praised for containing an ample 500 mg dose of this important nutrient, which helps support brain function and the nervous system. The clean, vegan-friendly ingredients also receive positive feedback.

Key benefits people mention include enhanced cognition, nerve health, liver function, and fat metabolism. No major drawbacks are mentioned other than some customers not getting the results they are after.

As a socially-conscious brand, Nested Naturals adheres to strict quality standards, manufacturing its supplements in an NSF-certified facility. For a pure, potent choline formula, Nested Naturals is a solid option.

4. Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylcholine

Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylcholine formula is the next product on the list. This product provides 1,200 mg softgels for under $20 per bottle which is the second best budget option and the strongest overall formula. It has earned a high 4.6-star average rating.

Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylcholine
Double Wood Supplements Phosphatidylcholine

The supplement is often praised for containing a robust 1,200 mg phosphatidylcholine dose to aid cognitive function and brain health. Its US-based manufacturing with purity testing available also gains positive feedback.

Key benefits mentioned are improved memory, focus, and mental clarity, as well as liver support. It is also worth noting that their are no major drawbacks mentioned.

For those seeking a high-potency phosphatidylcholine option to nurture brain and liver health, Double Wood delivers. With rigorous quality control testing, this formula promotes key benefits.

5. NOW Choline & Inositol

Like most supplement lists, you can’t leave out the well known supplement brand, NOW. This combination formula from NOW provides 500 mg each of choline and inositol for under $20 per 100 capsules. It also maintains a strong 4.6-star average rating.

NOW Choline
NOW Choline & Inositol

Many reviewers highlight the essential brain, nerve, and liver support provided by these two B-complex nutrients. The affordable two pack offering also receives positive feedback, especially since it can be found in many retail stores across the country.

Reported benefits include healthy nerve transmission, improved cognition, and assistance with fat metabolism in the liver. While there are no reported risks, some customers have found better results with other products, such as Thorne.

As an established leader in quality supplements, NOW’s Choline & Inositol formula delivers fundamental support for optimal neuronal and hepatic function. This foundational combo provides key neurotransmitter components.

6. Horbaach Choline Inositol

From supplement experts Horbaach, this choline/inositol formula provides a substantial 1,000 mg blend of these two nutrients for around $15 per 200 capsules. It maintains an excellent 4.6-star average rating, making it a top contender when researching the best form of choline.

Horbaach Choline
Horbaach Choline Inositol

The generous dosage and high-absorption capsules often receive praise from reviewers as it is the second highest potency on this list. Horbaach’s strong reputation for pure, potent formulas is also highlighted by many customers.

Key benefits mentioned include cognitive enhancement, healthy nerve transmission, and improved mood and focus. No cons or risks are mentioned as it is fairly priced, potent and of high quality.

With Horbaach’s commitment to quality and scientific formulations, this choline inositol supplement delivers robust support for brain and nervous system health. The substantial 1,000 mg dosage provides thorough nutrition.

7. NusaPure Choline Bitartrate

This choline supplement from NusaPure provides 650 mg of choline bitartrate per 2 capsule serving, retailing for under $20 per bottle. It maintains a strong 4.6-star average rating which continues to be competive with the aforementioned products reviewed.

NusaPure Choline Bitartrate
NusaPure Choline Bitartrate

The formula often receives praise for its high-purity choline content and vegetarian/non-GMO formulation. NusaPure’s commitment to quality sourcing and innovation is also highlighted by many, making it a strong contender for the best choline product.

The main benefits mentioned in the reviews include enhanced cognition, memory, focus, and neuronal health.

Made in the USA following stringent quality standards, NusaPure Choline Bitartrate delivers ample choline nutrition for brain support. Its purity, potency, and clean ingredients make it a top choice.

8. Standard Process Choline

Standard Process Choline is the next choline supplement to be featured on this list. This choline product comes in a 90 tablet bottle for under $20 and has a 4.6-star rating, making it a top contender when searching for cheap choline supplements.

Standard Process Choline
Standard Process Choline

Standard Process is known for its dedication to nutrient-rich, whole food based formulas. This Choline supplement features choline bitartrate to nourish cell membranes and support the liver, gallbladder, and nervous system.

The benefits of Standard Process Choline are improved cognition, focus, nerve transmission, and bile flow. The comprehensive, food-based formula receives positive feedback. With such a high user rating, the negative feedback has been nearly non-existant.

With its whole food approach and extensive healthcare practitioner partnerships, Standard Process provides exceptional nutritional support. For foundational choline nutrition, Standard Process is a popular option.

9. Jarrow Formulas Citicoline CDP Choline

Jarrow Formulas Citicoline CDP Choline is the next choline supplement on the list, providing 250 mg capsules for under $40 per 120 count bottle. Jarrow Formulas has earned a 4.5-star average rating, matching the majority of the choline supplements on the list.

Jarrow Formulas Citicoline
Jarrow Formulas Citicoline CDP Choline

The formula is positively praised for containing citicoline CDP choline, an essential brain nutrient for supporting energy metabolism and cognitive performance. Jarrow’s reputation for purity is also well-regarded.

The benefits of Jarrow Formulas Citicoline CDP Choline include improved memory, focus, concentration, and mental clarity. While most customers regard this choline supplement postively, some people have reported no major changes that they have been able to detect.

With over 45 years of experience, Jarrow Formulas delivers exceptional supplements for brain health. For those seeking enhanced neuronal energy and function, their Citicoline CDP Choline is an optimal pick.

10. Ritual Prenatal Essential with Choline

Ritual Prenatal Essential with Choline is the final choline product of the list. This prenatal multivitamin provides key nutrients like folate, choline, and DHA for around $40 per 30 day supply. It has a 4.3-star average rating and is considered the best choline for women.

Ritual Prenatal Vitamins Folate Choline
Ritual Prenatal Essential with Choline

Ritual’s choline is well respected for containing methylated folate and choline to support fetal development, along with omega-3 DHA for brain growth. The allergen-free, delayed-release design also gains positive feedback amongst many other unique offerings.

The positive benefits of Ritual’s prenatal supplement include neural tube defect prevention, enhanced cognition and eye health for baby. While Ritual is a well regarded brand, their choline supplement is quite expensive compared to others on the list, which is where most of the negative ratings have come from.

With its cutting-edge capsule technology and meticulous quality testing, Ritual Prenatal Essential delivers premium nourishment during pregnancy and lactation. The folate, choline, and DHA content offer exceptional support.

What is a Choline Supplement?

Choline supplements provide concentrated doses of the essential nutrient choline in an easily absorbable form. Choline cannot be made by the body in adequate amounts, so it must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements. Choline supplements typically contain choline-rich compounds like choline bitartrate, citicoline, or alpha-GPC.

Choline performs several key functions including supporting cell membrane signaling, synthesizing neurotransmitters, processing lipids, and methylation reactions. Supplement forms like citicoline and alpha-GPC can significantly raise choline levels compared to food sources for enhanced effects.

What are Choline Supplements Known For?

The main evidence-based uses of choline supplements include it’s ability to enhance cognition and memory, supporting brain health development and function, boosting exercise performance and muscle function, aiding liver function and detoxification, supporting never signaling and neurotransmitter synthesis, promoting prenatal and infant development.

  • Enhancing cognition and memory
  • Supporting brain health development and function
  • Boosting exercise performance and muscle function
  • Aiding liver function and detoxification
  • Supporting nerve signaling and neurotransmitter synthesis
  • Promoting prenatal and infant development

How do Choline Supplements Work?

Choline supplements increase available choline in the body to support various physiological functions. Choline is a precursor for acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in memory, muscle control, and nervous system signaling. It also aids in fat transport and processing in the liver while supporting cell membrane integrity.

Supplemental forms like citicoline and alpha-GPC are highly bioavailable, meaning they are readily absorbed and utilized by the body. This allows them to promptly raise choline levels after ingestion.

What are the Benefits of taking Choline Supplements?

The benefits of taking choline supplements include enhanced memory, increased focus, improved cognitive performance, improved learning abilities and information processing, support liver function and detoxification, assist muscle movement control and strength output, increase endurance and athletic performance, boosts in mood and motivation, aid nervous system health and neurotransmitter function, and promote proper prenatal and infant brain development.

  • Enhance memory, focus, and cognitive performance
  • Improve learning abilities and information processing
  • Support liver function and detoxification
  • Assist muscle movement control and strength output
  • Increase endurance and athletic performance
  • Boost mood and motivation
  • Aid nervous system health and neurotransmitter function
  • Promote proper prenatal and infant brain development

When is the Best Time to Take Choline Supplements?

Choline supplements are best taken earlier in the day. Splitting the daily dosage into a morning and early afternoon serving ensures stable choline levels throughout waking hours when cognitive function is most important. Forworkout performance, taking choline an hour before exercise allows it to get absorbed and utilized.

How can Choline Affect Pregnancy?

Choline is extremely vital during pregnancy to support proper neural tube closure and brain development in the fetus. Maternal choline intake directly correlates to lifelong cognitive function in offspring which is why choline is an optimal choice when considering pregnancy supplements. The high demand for choline during pregnancy can also deplete mothers’ reserves, making supplementation critical.

Who Should Take Choline Supplements?

Those who can benefit from choline supplementation include pregnant and breastfeeding women, athletes, students, professionals, older adults, and those with cognitive deficits or liver issues. Vegans and vegetarians may require more choline due to lower intakes from restricted diets.

Are Choline Supplements Safe for Everyone?

Yes, choline is considered safe for most people when used appropriately. Therapeutic doses have not shown adverse effects. However, high doses could contribute to gastrointestinal side effects or fishy body odor. Those with liver disease should exercise caution.

Are Choline Supplements Good for your Liver?

Yes, choline supplements support liver function and health in several ways. Choline aids fat transport and metabolism in the liver while also helping protect liver cells from damage. It assists in exporting lipids from the liver and converting homocysteine, a process important for detoxification. That is why choline is often recommended when searching for the best fatty liver supplements available.

Athletic Insight

Athletic Insight Research

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

The Athletic Insight Research team consists of a dedicated team of researchers, Doctors, Registered Dieticians, nationally certified nutritionists and personal trainers. Our team members hold prestigious accolades within their discipline(s) of expertise, as well as nationally recognized certifications. These include; National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CPT), National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), International Sports Sciences Association Nutritionist Certification.