Back in the early 20th century, the importance of choline in animal nutrition came to light as scientists worked through the puzzle of deficiency diseases in livestock and lab animals. Investigators found that choline—a water-soluble essential nutrient—played a big role in how bodies process fats and maintain liver health. From those early discoveries, the food and feed industries searched for stable, bioavailable sources of choline. Choline Dihydrogen Citrate owes its place in the supplement market to these decades of research. The pivot from basic science to applied chemistry led handlers to blend choline with citrate to balance stability, palatability, and solubility, especially as demand for both animal feed supplements and human nutraceuticals grew in the late 20th century.
Choline Dihydrogen Citrate comes as a non-volatile, hygroscopic white powder or crystalline solid, favored for its effective delivery of choline ions in diverse settings. Producers target its use in animal feed, dietary supplements, and even select pharmaceutical formulations. Its role stretches far past simple nutrition: industries add it to support cognitive function, boost liver health, and as a key ingredient in certain therapeutic blends. Reliable handling, long shelf life, and competitive sourcing make this salt attractive for firms looking to bridge performance and cost.
With high water solubility—over 100 grams per liter at room temperature—and a molecular formula of C8H19NO7, Choline Dihydrogen Citrate dissolves with ease in water-rich applications. Its melting point, hovering around 160–170°C (decomposition), limits its use in high-heat formulations. The compound usually carries a slight odor, typical from the citrate portion. It is deliquescent if left exposed to humid air, picking up moisture until fully dissolved. This physical sensitivity influences packaging and storage practices throughout the supply chain.
Commercial suppliers offer Choline Dihydrogen Citrate with choline contents ranging from 20 to 28% on a dry basis, as per the test method preferred by the end use. Ash, moisture, and heavy metal limits appear prominently on technical datasheets and are closely checked batch by batch. Package labeling includes CAS number 65-72-3 and accurate percentage breakdowns of choline content, with safety data sheets emphasizing correct handling, storage (cool, dry, airtight containers), and first aid guidelines. Allergen declarations and non-GMO sourcing claims have gained traction in recent years, reflecting end-user and regulatory pressures for transparency.
Manufacturing processes pair choline base or choline hydroxide with citric acid in precise stoichiometric ratios, under controlled temperature and agitation. The exothermic neutralization brings about the salt formation. After mixing, the solution, often colorless and clear, is evaporated under reduced pressure to avoid thermal decomposition, and any impurities get filtered or crystallized out. The resulting solid crystallizes upon cooling, then drying, with quality control checks at each step for residual reactants or byproduct contaminants like trimethylamine. This route, scaled over decades, balances efficiency, cost, and purity demands from manufacturers in the food and feed sector.
Choline Dihydrogen Citrate is a reasonably stable salt, but under highly basic or acidic conditions, it hydrolyzes—liberating choline ion or decomposing toward trimethylamine and related byproducts. In formulation science, choline can react with other acid anions to form alternatives such as choline bitartrate or choline chloride, each tuned to varying regulations or application needs. Laboratories sometimes derivatize choline moieties for analytical purposes, for example, via quaternization reactions to enable detection by gas chromatography.
This compound goes by several names in the market—including Choline Citrate and 2-Hydroxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium dihydrogen citrate. Industry-specific catalogs list it under its CAS number or E-number. Pharmaceutical and food-grade variants may include extra descriptors, such as “USP Grade” or “Feed Grade,” since quality assurance and intended use drive purchasing decisions. Regulatory databases refer to both “Choline Dihydrogen Citrate” and “O-acetylcholine citrate,” although the latter may describe analogs with acetylation on the choline moiety.
Occupational settings require basic PPE such as gloves and goggles due to the compound’s mild irritant nature, especially in powder form. Choline Dihydrogen Citrate exhibits low acute mammalian toxicity, but inhalation or skin contact can prompt mild irritation for sensitive individuals. Safety protocols insist on proper ventilation and dust control. Food and feed additive producers follow guidance from the US FDA (21 CFR), the European Food Safety Authority, and FAMI-QS certification for feed safety management. Quality management system certification—a GFSI standard or ISO 9001—now comes standard for suppliers shipping globally.
Pet food, premixes, livestock feeds, and specialty human supplements dominate the sales profile. On the animal side, supplementing with Choline Dihydrogen Citrate prevents hepatic lipidosis and supports growth in poultry, swine, and even aquaculture diets. Formula manufacturers lean on it as a stable, highly bioavailable form of the nutrient. In over-the-counter nutraceuticals, formulators aim for cognitive support blends, “memory” drinks, and prenatal vitamins, capitalizing on consumer interest in holistic brain health. Storms in the global choline market—from shifting regulations to changing nutritional guidelines—have pushed product formulators to adjust dosing, sourcing, and documentation standards for this and competing choline forms.
Ongoing research tests whether choline’s positive outcomes in animal health translate directly into measurable gains in human cognition, especially in aging and developing populations. Universities and biotech players study bioavailability, long-term safety, and synergistic effects with other micronutrients. Projects exploring nutrigenomics—how choline interacts with an individual’s genes—promise the next wave of customization, although cost and regulatory hurdles remain high. For years, laboratory animal nutrition studies have used Choline Dihydrogen Citrate to establish baseline choline requirements. These datasets now inform recommended dietary intakes and spark debates in both the nutrition science and regulatory communities.
Toxicological profiles from regulatory filings and published studies show low acute oral toxicity in rats and negligible carcinogenicity signals. The compound breaks down to choline and citrate upon digestion, both of which are routine metabolites. High-dose studies sometimes report hypotension or sweating in sensitive subjects. Researchers track Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) as defined by regulatory agencies. The case for Choline Dihydrogen Citrate as safe rests on decades of animal nutrition and recent human supplementation data, though careful dose management is essential—especially in formulations stacked with multiple methyl-donating nutrients. In practice, most issues stem from dosing mistakes or rare allergic responses.
Growing consumer and regulatory interest in cognitive health, prenatal supplementation, and optimized livestock feed will push Choline Dihydrogen Citrate into sharper focus. Companies continue to look for more bioavailable, stable, and palatable forms to beat out competitors on performance and price. Research on sustainable manufacturing—the hunt for greener production methods using plant-based choline precursors or renewable feedstocks—may lower environmental impact and address tough regulations around synthetic processing aids. Food fortification and medical nutrition will likely expand as nations update choline intake recommendations and public health authorities push for evidence-based labeling claims. Startup activity in personalized nutrition and functional foods has begun testing niche, premium blends built around choline compounds, so market watchers expect more product launches, patent filings, and educational campaigns aiming to demystify this once-overlooked nutrient.
Most people don’t talk much about choline unless their doctor brings it up. Still, this nutrient does plenty for the body, right down to nerve cell communication and healthy brain development. Choline dihydrogen citrate turns up as a popular supplement ingredient because it offers choline in a form the body can absorb and use. With so much noise about mental agility, healthy pregnancies, and memory as we age, paying attention to this kind of nutrient isn’t just hype—it’s common sense.
From what I've seen, young adults forget how important nutrients like choline become later on. Even in midlife, folks notice changes in focus and memory long before reaching old age. Choline helps make acetylcholine, which keeps signals moving in the brain and lets muscles do their job. Some studies suggest regular choline intake may support memory and keep mental sharpness in check. Researchers linked low choline levels to issues with mood and memory.
Liver health doesn’t get much attention unless things go wrong. Choline defends against fatty liver, especially for people with less balanced diets or metabolic stress. Given how often energy drinks and convenience foods replace meals, it’s no surprise deficiency cases keep cropping up. Choline dihydrogen citrate, in its supplement form, steps in here—backed by research showing it protects liver cells and helps ship fat out of the liver before it builds up.
During pregnancy, choline works behind the scenes. Moms-to-be need enough to support a baby’s brain and spinal cord development. Choline deficiency links to problems with a baby's growth and even neural tube defects. The body can make some choline, but the need often outpaces what’s naturally produced. That’s where choline dihydrogen citrate comes in handy. Prenatal vitamins sometimes skip choline entirely, so expecting mothers should check labels. The American Medical Association has pressed for better labeling and higher choline inclusion in prenatal supplements for this reason.
Lately, athletes and weekend warriors lean into choline dihydrogen citrate for its impact on muscle function and recovery. Getting enough choline may improve stamina, muscle contraction, and reduce risk of muscle damage after long workouts. One clinical trial highlighted better endurance and faster recovery when participants had baseline healthy choline levels. I’ve seen fitness trainers recommend it just as much as omega-3s or B vitamins, especially for people with muscle cramps or fatigue.
Americans tend to fall short on daily choline intake—the National Institutes of Health estimates only one in ten adults get enough from food. Egg yolks, beef liver, and soybeans offer the highest natural amounts, but these don’t always fit modern diets. Choline dihydrogen citrate supplements make bridging that nutritional gap easier without relying on specialty foods.
Consumers should look for quality assurance—third-party testing, clear labeling, and honesty about dosages. The FDA treats choline supplements as dietary additives, so picking trustworthy brands matters most. Overdoing choline causes issues, too, like fishy body odor or low blood pressure, so following established daily guidelines prevents over-supplementing and keeps side effects at bay.
Choline dihydrogen citrate has earned its place in the supplement aisle for good reasons. It can make a difference, especially for those in life stages or situations where choline demands jump higher than usual.
For years, choline held a quiet spot on supplement shelves. It’s something I first heard about from a nutritionist who worked with athletes. Choline functions like a vitamin, although the body builds some on its own. Food sources like eggs and beef liver pack a good punch, but a modern diet doesn’t always hit the daily recommended amount. Supplements step in for people needing more support.
Choline Dihydrogen Citrate isn’t just another form of choline thrown together. It gets absorbed easily, helps the body make acetylcholine, and strengthens cell membranes. Acetylcholine plays a huge part in memory, reason, and muscle control. Kids, expecting mothers, and people under stress go through choline quickly, which can push their needs higher.
The main draw for many chasing choline citrate: better brainpower. Several university studies have shown that choline jumpstarts acetylcholine, which sends messages between nerves and muscles. As someone who struggled to keep information straight during college, I wish I’d paid more attention to nutrition back then. Cognitive decline isn’t rare as people get older. That’s why some doctors recommend choline supplements for older adults, aiming to keep mental fog at bay.
A few trials back this up. Regular choline supplements bumped up performance in memory tasks among adults over 50. It’s not a cure-all, but it could give the brain an edge in stressful or aging periods, where acetylcholine dips shut down sharp thinking.
Choline isn’t just about the brain. Research points to a strong link between choline and liver health. People who skimp on choline risk liver damage or unwanted fat buildup. Doctors use choline Dihydrogen Citrate in clinical nutrition plans to steer clear of fatty liver, especially in folks with limited diets or certain illnesses.
Endurance athletes carve through choline faster during intense training. Having watched friends struggle after marathons, cramping and feeling out of sync, the risk looks real. Depleted choline could interrupt coordination. Supplementing with choline citrate supports muscle function and wards off fatigue. The heart calls for choline, too, since it keeps plasma homocysteine under control. Raised homocysteine can spell future heart and artery problems. So, choline might lower the risk, according to several long-term health studies.
Some nutritionists suggest trying food first – eggs, chicken, even fish. Not everyone’s diet covers the bases, especially those avoiding animal products or following strict regimens. In these cases, choline Dihydrogen Citrate gives an easy boost. Anyone thinking of adding it to their stack should talk to a doctor, given that too much choline can cause blood pressure dips, sweating, or stomach upset.
Society often skips over subtle nutrients until a problem pops up. Families, athletes, or older adults might not notice the need until focus, energy, or liver tests slip. Choline Dihydrogen Citrate stands as one option to patch hidden gaps, supporting both brain and body, as long as it’s done with a little guidance and attention to overall diet.
Plenty of health supplements look harmless on store shelves, and choline dihydrogen citrate shows up in bottles right next to basic vitamins. People reach for it to boost memory, sharpen focus, or support liver health. It makes sense because choline’s an essential nutrient. But many forget that “essential” doesn’t mean “no side effects.”
Some folks report stomach upset not long after starting a course—think nausea, diarrhea, or even a sense of bloating. That familiar uneasy rumble can show up pretty quickly. The digestive system’s often one of the first places to let us know when something’s off.
Certain folks seem to have a tougher time processing high doses of choline. People with existing liver issues, kidney disease, or rare genetic changes in choline metabolism don’t clear it as well. For them, build-up is a real risk.
Older adults might also find it takes less to cross the line into unwanted effects. Our organs handle nutrients differently with age, and supplements usually reflect that shift.
One issue people don’t expect comes from their own skin. In rare cases, choline leads to a fishy body odor. This odor stems from trimethylamine, a byproduct of choline metabolism. Trimethylaminuria, or “fish odor syndrome,” pops up if the body can’t break this byproduct down efficiently. Not everyone gets it, but those who do often feel self-conscious enough to skip supplements altogether.
Mixing supplements doesn't always lead to better health. Choline interacts with other drugs, especially ones targeting the nervous system. For anyone on anticholinergic medication or with a history of depression, adding choline needs careful thought. Too much can throw off neurotransmitter balance, and mixing substances can bring effects nobody saw coming.
No shortage of small trials and animal studies exist, but large, long-term human data fall short. Some evidence links high choline intake to a greater risk for heart disease. Bacteria in the gut convert choline into trimethylamine, which then converts to TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide) in the liver. Elevated TMAO levels tie back to hardening of the arteries. The risk hinges on diet, genetics, and gut health—hard to predict for each person.
Most people get enough choline from diet—egg yolk, soybeans, fish, and chicken serve up a healthy dose. The upper intake level for choline for adults sits at about 3.5 grams a day. Many supplements undershoot that, but high-dose blends or stacking pills bump intake above safe edges. Sticking to recommended dosages and being candid with a doctor about supplement use avoids most harm.
Quality healthcare hinges on informed choices. Always check for interactions with prescription drugs and be upfront with medical professionals about any supplements in regular use. Reading peer-reviewed research and sticking to the lowest necessary dose keeps risks lower. My experience as a community pharmacist showed me that people get better results from their supplement routine when they take time to ask good questions—about risks, about dose, and about mixing products. Balancing curiosity and caution builds real health, not just a bigger supplement bill.
Choline lays down the foundation for brain function and liver health. I started paying attention to it after seeing relatives struggle with memory as they hit their senior years, and doctors would mention B vitamins and choline in every conversation about cognitive support. Choline shows up in egg yolks, beef liver, even in cauliflower, but most folks who follow plant-based diets or don’t pay much attention to nutrition can end up getting less than they need. The National Institutes of Health points out that adult men should aim for about 550 mg of choline a day, and women need 425 mg unless pregnant or breastfeeding, when the number gets higher. We’re talking total choline, from food and supplements together.
Choline Dihydrogen Citrate comes as a powder or capsule, and different products put different numbers on the label. People tend to expect a single, magic dosage. Here’s what I’ve found—no two people need exactly the same dose. Some folks absorb nutrients better; others burn through vitamins faster because of genetics, stress, or medical conditions. Clinical studies in the U.S. and Europe keep circling back to that 400–550 mg daily total choline guideline. It helps to know that supplements list the amount of choline compound, not just “choline,” so Choline Dihydrogen Citrate, for example, only partly counts towards that target number. A 1000 mg capsule of Choline Dihydrogen Citrate gives you around 400 mg of choline. Some supplement companies round up the numbers, but you have to check the label for “elemental choline” to get it right.
I’ve talked to users who jump on high-dose trends after seeing social media posts. More is not always better. According to health authorities and research teams including the Linus Pauling Institute, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for choline sits at 3500 mg per day for adults. Going above that can cause problems—sweating, fishy body odor, lower blood pressure, even liver toxicity in rare cases. It’s tempting for athletes or students to double up hoping for boosted focus or memory, but risks start adding up past the usual dosage range.
Pregnant people need more choline for fetal brain development. Athletes swear by it for muscle function, and I’ve seen older adults get dietary advice to support memory. Doctors often remind patients not to self-diagnose a deficiency, because testing for choline status isn’t straightforward. Choline Dihydrogen Citrate absorbs best with food, so morning or lunch makes sense. Choline works closely with folate, B12, and other B vitamins. Eating a balanced breakfast with eggs or leafy greens and taking supplements if you know your intake runs low covers all the bases.
Look for a GMP-certified supplement. Watch out for brands making wilder cognitive claims than science supports. If you take medication, check for interactions with a pharmacist. Personalized plans work best in healthcare, so take the extra step—call a registered dietitian or doctor before starting. Most healthy adults can meet their daily needs with one to two capsules of Choline Dihydrogen Citrate, each around 1000 mg, but the total choline should line up with the daily targets—overdoing it does more harm than good. The right dosage gives needed support without going overboard. Personal experience and reliable data both shape smart decisions.
Choline dihydrogen citrate pops up more and more often in supplements for brain health, energy, and liver support. The buzz around it is loud, and so are the claims: sharper memory, better focus, even protection for the liver. The science behind choline does stack up—our bodies use it for making cell membranes, sending signals in the brain, and processing fats. In my own research, I’ve always tried to cut through the noise and drill down to what long-term use actually means for real people, not just lab rats or cell cultures.
A lot of supplement trends come and go. What sticks around is what survives real scrutiny, especially over years of steady use. Studies on choline itself show it’s essential, but choline dihydrogen citrate hasn’t been studied as long or as closely as the more common forms—think choline bitartrate or alpha-GPC. The National Institutes of Health lists a recommended daily intake of choline: around 550 milligrams for men, 425 milligrams for women. Most folks don’t hit those numbers eating regular food, so a little boost seems harmless.
Bigger doses, especially over years, start to muddy the waters. Some studies report digestive troubles, low blood pressure, or a fishy body odor from high choline intake. Rarely, large intakes might hike up TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide—a chemical tied to heart disease) in some people’s blood. That connection sparks debate among nutrition researchers. The citrate version seems tolerated about as well as others, but nobody has solid data stretching over decades.
In clinical practice and personal conversations, I see people using these supplements every day, convinced they “feel better” or “think clearer.” That might be the choline doing its job—after all, choline deficiency can lead to muscle damage, memory slips, and mood problems. On the other hand, the folks who load up on high doses for months start mentioning mild gut issues or a strange body odor. That matches what small-scale studies show.
Peer-reviewed research supports normal dietary choline. High-quality panels in the U.S. and Europe call it “generally recognized as safe” when you stick to recommended amounts. Once the intake jumps up, especially with supplements, the safety net feels thinner—and almost all tests are short-term, not over a decade or two.
People want the edge. They don’t want the side effects, and definitely not long-term health risks. Start with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Reliable bloodwork can show whether you’re low on choline to begin with. It makes sense to get most nutrition from whole foods: eggs, salmon, beef, and some beans pack a decent choline punch. A little supplementation probably won’t cause issues if you’re careful.
If you’re set on choline dihydrogen citrate, look for clean labels and third-party testing. Remember, more isn’t always better—staying under the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (3,500 mg of choline daily for adults) is smart. If anything weird pops up—like sudden gut trouble or bad breath—cut back and let your healthcare provider know.
Supplements can help, but they work best when grounded in facts and regular monitoring. For long-term safety, moderation, personal testing, and medical guidance still beat hype every day.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate |
| Other names |
Choline citrate Choline dihydrocitrate Choline dihydrogen citrate salt Choline hydrogen citrate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈkoʊliːn daɪˈhaɪdrədʒən ˈsɪtreɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 77-91-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1723003 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:33060 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1201632 |
| ChemSpider | 131757 |
| DrugBank | DB11145 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d3e2fa-4be8-491b-8a46-29594d3ad4a0 |
| EC Number | 206-898-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 81694 |
| KEGG | C00707 |
| MeSH | D017936 |
| PubChem CID | 71438057 |
| RTECS number | GF8385000 |
| UNII | QB4SB094FM |
| UN number | UN1760 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID2034199 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H19NO7 |
| Molar mass | 327.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.34 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -3.5 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 4.1 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -64.5e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.507 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 29 mPa.s (20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 6.3 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 324.6 J·K⁻¹·mol⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1764.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A16AA06 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statement. |
| Precautionary statements | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | NFPA 704: 1-0-0 |
| Flash point | > 210 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 3,320 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral 2820 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not Listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible): Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 350 mg (as choline) daily |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Choline chloride Choline bitartrate Choline hydroxide Choline stearate Citric acid Acetylcholine |
