Reduced choline and betaine levels correlate with higher levels of inflammation

The February, 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the finding of Greek researchers that having reduced levels of the B vitamin choline, as well as betaine (trimethylglycine, a derivative of choline), is linked with a higher blood concentration of markers of inflammation. Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis among other conditions, and inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), have been associated with cardiovascular event risk.

The current research evaluated data from 3,042 participants in the ATTICA epidemiologic study which included men and women in the Attica province of Greece who were free of cardiovascular disease, infections, dental problems or recent surgical history upon enrollment. Dietary questionnaire responses were analyzed for choline and betaine intake levels, and fasting blood samples were tested for levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, TNF-a, homocysteine, glucose and total cholesterol. Continue Reading