choline, inositol, methionine and the liver

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Lipotropic agents are a class of substances that play important roles in the body's use of fat. Many substances have lipotropic properties of which choline, inositol and methionine are among the most noteworthy. Through their involvement in lipid (fat) metabolism, lipotropics help maintain a healthy liver.

Choline & Inositol

Choline and inositol are co-enzymes that are required for the proper metabolism of fats, and have the ability to remove fat from the liver. Choline's function in fat metabolism is tied to its role in bile production because bile acts as an emulsifier (allowing water and lipids to combine) to more readily transport fats. Without choline, fats can become trapped in the liver, where they can block normal metabolic functions. Both of choline and inositol are important building blocks for cell walls (choline being a key component of phosphatidyl, choline, or lecithin). Choline (as a part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine) and inositol are necessary for normal nerve and brain function.

The body can produce choline, with the help of vitamin B12, folic acid and methionine. Natural choline production however, may not always be adequate to meet daily needs. Studies show that diets deficient in choline lead to undesirable changes to liver, kidney and brain functions. There is no established daily recommended intake for choline, but the average diet supplies between 500 mg and 1,000 mg of choline daily. The best dietary sources of choline are eggs, liver and other organ meats, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and soybeans. A lack of inositol has been shown to produce an accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. The average dietary intake of inositol, which is found in a wide variety of foods, is 1,000 mg daily.

Methionine

Methionine, an essential sulfur-containing amino acid, has lipotropic properties similar to those of choline. Two other important amino acids: cysteine and taurine, depend on adequate levels of methionine for their biosynthesis in the body. Methionine is one of the nutrients required during the body's manufacture of choline and a deficiency of this amino acid will adversely affect fat metabolism. Choline is a 1ipotopic factor (fat emulsifier) which aids in emulsifying cholesterol so that it doesn't settle on arterial walls. Choline also works well with inositol to utilize fats and cholesterol.

Choline also works well with methionine in detoxifying amines which are by-products of protein metabolism.

Inositol metabolizes fats and cholesterol and aids in transporting fat in the blood system. Thus, inositol is an aid in the redistribution of body fat and can help to lower cholesterol levels. It is a member of the B-Complex group and is a lipotropic agent.

Methionine is a lipotropic amino acid which reduces fat and aids in lowering cholesterol. It can be substituted for choline which aids in reducing liver fat (lipotropic agent) and detoxifies arnines which are by-products of protein metabolism. Methionine seems to act as a catalyst for choline and inositol thus speeding up their function. (A deficiency may lead to fatty degeneration and cirrhosis of the liver).

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