Choline and anxiety disorders

Many people suffer from anxiety and other psychological disorders that seem to defy treatment.    According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America,  40 million adults in the US suffer from anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety, panic attacks,  and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Researchers have found that low levels of choline, a B vitamin, have been linked to increased rates of anxiety.

 Choline is a nutrient in the B vitamin family which has been shown to be quite important. Choline plays a role in the transport of fats and fat metabolism.  Choline is also good for the brain.  It has been established that choline is necessary for optimal cognigitive function.  It is also a basic nutrient needed in the production of acetylcholine, a neruotransmitter and important in nerve function.

Norwegian scientists looked at the health records of nearly six thousand men and women who feel into two age groups, 46 to 49 and 7- to 74.  The particvipants' blood choline levels were noted and checked for associated levels of anxiety and depression.  The lowest choline levels were found to be associated with the highest anxiety levels. 

In summary

The findings are very interesting.  It might  be worthile to take a nutritional approach in the treatment of anxiety in stead of a purely drug approach.  By addressing the nutritional deficiencies, it might even be possible to reduce the amount of medication needed to treat anxiety.

Source:

"Choline linked with lower Anxiety Levels" Energy Times