Scientists find nutritional supplement for prevention of Alzheimer's

American scientists conducted experiments with female mice, which throughout life were provided with high levels of choline from food. They wanted to find out if this nutrient found in some foods can mitigate the effects of Alzheimer's disease, HighTech + reported.

In the experiment, laboratory animals were predisposed to the development of Alzheimer's disease, however, lifelong consumption of choline in high concentration showed an improvement in the spatial memory of rodents, which is usually impaired due to the development of the disease.

Scientists have identified two mechanisms by which choline inhibited the development of the disease.

First, choline intake reduced the activation of microglia cells, which are necessary for the brain to get rid of pathogens. The problem is that their excessive activity provokes inflammation and death of neurons. Secondly, choline blocked the production of toxic beta-amyloid plaques, the formation of which is considered a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The findings of the study are consistent with the results of another group of scientists from China, who conducted similar experiments in July 2019, but on models of male mice.

According to the authors, even the recommended daily dose of choline cannot provide the body with the necessary concentration of a substance to prevent changes associated with brain aging. However, this should be confirmed in further clinical studies.

Today, the consumption rate for women is 425 mg and 550 mg for men. In food, a high level of choline is found in chicken liver, eggs, beef, wheat germ, milk and Brussels sprouts.

Choline is very important for the proper functioning of the brain. The substance is required for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for memory, muscle control and mood.

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