Vitamin B4 (Adenine)

Known also as adenine, vitamin B4 is a water soluble and infamous vitamin. It is a component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and the three coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), NADH (a reduced form of NAD) and FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide). Adenine functions synergistically and closely with vitamins B2 and B3 to generate energy.

Food Sources and Absorption:

Brewer’s yeast is the best food source of vitamin B4. Other foods rich in adenine are whole grains,bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis, spirulina, aloe vera, kelp, green leafy vegetables, honey, cayenne pepper, and berries. Smaller amounts can be found in herbs and spices such as hops, sage, spearmint, caraway, cinnamon, sumac, and ginger.

It is absorbed from the upper part of the small intestine. Though the body does not store this vitamin, the highest concentrations of vitamin B4 are found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, red blood cells, heart, and vascular endothelial cells.

Functions of Vitamin B4:

1. It helps with protein synthesis.
2. Working closely with vitamins B2 and B3, it involves in generating energy by being a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
3. It may increase sensitivity of the cells to insulin.
4. When combined with ribose, it forms adenosine which is highly important for normal heart function.
5. It may stimulate the release of the hormone “motilin” from the GI tract.
6. It may enhance antibody formation by the immune system.
7. It poses an antioxidant activity.

Athletic Benefits of Vitamin B4:

1. Boosts energy level.
2. Helps athletes overcome jet lag easily.
3. Delays fatigue and exhaustion time.
4. Decreases reaction time.
5. May improve endurance.
6. May improve mental alertness and clarity.
7. In the form of NADH, it may enhance the release of growth hormone.

Non – Athletic Benefits of Vitamin B4: 

The following condition may benefit from vitamin B4:

1. Chronic fatigue syndrome.
2. Fibromyalgia.
3. Cardiac arrhythmias.
4. Chronic constipation.
5. Diabetes.
6. Infections.
7. HIV support.
8. Compromised immune system.
9. Anemia.
10. Hair loss.
11. Parkinson`s disease.
12. Alzheimer’s disease.
13. Weight management.
14. Depression.

Dosage:

No RDA has been established for this vitamin. It is available as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NADH (reduced form of NAD). NAD is usually taken 25 – 75 mg a day on an empty stomach. Sometimes it is combined with 200 mg of ribose.

For more information about NADH, see “NADH” under the section of “Sports – Performance Enhancers”, and for more information about NAD, see “Vitamin B3” under the section of “GH Enhancers”.

Interactions:

Adenosine is formed by combining adenine and ribose. Adenosine and adenine – containing products (NAD and NADH) are not recommended in people with asthma, as they may exacerbate the symptoms.

Caffeine (in coffee, tea, and soft drinks), theophylline (in cocoa beans and tea), and theobromine (in chocolate, tea, and cola) may reduce the effectiveness of adenosine.

Vitamin B4: Health Benefits Of Vitamin B4 For Well Being

Radha, a 12-year-old girl, fainted while playing with her friends. After going through all the tests, her parents discovered low in vitamin B. The doctor informed them that good nutrition is related to general health and the prevention and treatment of many illnesses and conditions. Consuming the necessary daily vitamin intake is critical for sustenance, and B vitamins are essential for preventative care. According to a study, b vitamins, which are abundant in green vegetables, whole or fortified grains, dairy, and meats, contribute to healthy metabolism and have been associated with a decreased risk of stroke.

What use does vitamin B4 serve?

Vitamin B4 is critical for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. However, this vitamin performs many tasks, including cell creation and tissue development. Vitamin B4, or adenine, also aids in immune system stimulation, strengthening the body’s resistance to infection and sickness. 

B4 vitamins play an essential function in maintaining excellent health and well-being. Known as the “building blocks of a healthy body,” B vitamins are necessary for maintaining appropriate energy levels, cognitive function and cell metabolism. Vitamin B4 complex aids in the prevention of infections as well as the support or promotion of:

• Cellular health, the development of red blood cells, and energy levels

• excellent visual acuity

• brain function that is in good shape

• a healthy digestive system

• Appetite in good health

• nerve function that is in regular working order

• hormones and the synthesis of cholesterol

• the health of the cardiovascular system

• the tone of the muscles

Vitamin B4-Rich Foods to Combat Vitamin B4 Deficiency

Vitamin B4 may assist in treating a range of health conditions, including insomnia, anaemia, migraines, excessive cholesterol, gastritis, gallstones, ageing, and pimples. Conversely, a vitamin B12 shortage may result in skin diseases, blood issues, vertigo, weariness, muscular weakness, and depression.

Vitamin B4-fortified foods should be included in your regular diet to help prevent vitamin B4 deficiency. Therefore, have a look at some of the vitamin B4-rich meals.

• Honey in its natural state

The most commonly eaten food is raw honey. Since ancient times, it has been utilized for various spiritual, cosmetic, and medical purposes. Raw honey is nutritionally better than processed honey because it includes vitamin B4. Purchase natural and organic honey to eat sometimes.

• Complete Grains

Whole grains include a variety of B vitamins, including vitamin B4. Include whole grains such as oats, wheat, barley, rice, maize, and rye in your diet to supply carbs for energy. The bran and germ, the outermost layer of the grain, comprise the bulk of vitamins and minerals.

• Bread Made Using Whole Wheat

For thousands of years, bread has been a mainstay of the human dietary regimen. Bread contains B-complex vitamins, including vitamin B4. In addition, it supplies vital nutrients, including carbs for energy and minerals for tissue health, such as iron and selenium.

• Cloves

Cloves are one of India’s most extensively used spices, utilized in a broad range of recipes. It has been used as a spice and medicinal in India and China for thousands of years. Cloves are high in vitamin B4, which may help alleviate nausea and prevent diabetes when ingested.

• Seeds of Caraway

Caraway seeds, commonly known as jeera, are a prominent spice included in various savoury recipes. They are an excellent source of vitamin B4 and minerals such as iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.

• Strawberry

Strawberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin B4, which may help increase your health. Strawberries help to enhance eye vision, maintain appropriate brain function, and alleviate symptoms of high blood pressure, arthritis, and other cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, to avoid vitamin B4 deficiency, consume strawberries more often.

• Capsicum

Capsicum is a spicy edible fruit that is used in cooking. It includes vitamin B4 and other bioactive components that may help with stomach problems, back discomfort, headaches, cancer, premature ageing of the skin, and diabetes.

• Apples

Apples are one of the most delectable and widely available fruits. Apples are high in vitamin B4, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and riboflavin. Alzheimer’s disease, stomach difficulties, constipation, diabetes, and liver ailments may all be prevented.

• Ginger

Ginger includes vitamin B4, making it the world’s most extensively used dietary condiment. Additionally, ginger contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics that help prevent stroke, indigestion, and nausea, increase immunological function, and protect against bacterial infections.

• Tomato

Tomatoes are very beneficial to one’s health and enhance the flavour of meals. They are high in vitamin B4, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium, manganese, magnesium, and other vital minerals. This aids in blood pressure reduction is beneficial to stomach health and gives treatment for skin conditions, diabetes, and urinary tract infections

Summing Up

Make sure you’re receiving enough B vitamins in your diet since they’re essential for various areas of your health and well-being, including heart health. When it comes to the body, vitamin B is beneficial since it helps preserve the health of cells and neurons and assists in the creation of DNA.

FAQs:

What are Vitamin B4 Functions?

It contributes to the creation of proteins.
As a component of adenosine triphosphate, it works in close collaboration with vitamins B2 and B3 in the production of energy (ATP).
It has the potential to boost the insulin sensitivity of the cells.
The formation of adenosine, which is essential for the healthy function of the heart, occurs when ribose is combined.
It has the potential to increase the release of the hormone “motilin.” by the GI tract.
It can aid in the synthesis of antibodies by the immune system.
It contains antioxidant qualities, as well.

B vitamins – what are they?

It is vital for the correct functioning of the body’s cells that the B vitamins be present. For example, they assist the body in converting food into energy (metabolism), the formation of new blood cells, and the maintenance of healthy skin, brain, and other physiological tissues, among other things.

Vitamin B4 (Choline) – effects on the body, benefits and harms, description

General characteristics of vitamin B4 (Choline)

Vitamin B4 in its pure form was obtained in the 19th century from bile, but its role for humans became known in 1930 after a series of animal experiments.

Choline (from the Greek χολή – bile) is a vitamin-like substance that has a membrane-protective (protects cell membranes from destruction and damage), anti-atherosclerotic (reduces cholesterol levels in the blood), nootropic, antidepressant, calming effect. Choline improves metabolism in the nervous tissue, prevents the formation of gallstones, normalizes fat metabolism and helps to reduce weight.

Choline, its salts and esters are registered as food additive E1001.

Physical and chemical properties of vitamin B4

Vitamin B4 is a hygroscopic colorless crystals, readily soluble in water, is destroyed during heat treatment.

Food sources of vitamin B4

Choline is able to synthesize itself in the body, but in environmental conditions this amount is not enough, so doctors recommend increasing its content in the body with food.

The richest food in choline is egg yolk. Good sources of B4 are: liver, kidneys, meat, fish, cottage cheese, cheese. Unrefined vegetable oils, legumes, some vegetables (cabbage, spinach, carrots, tomatoes) also contain choline.

Daily requirement of vitamin B4

Vitamin B4 is especially necessary for people engaged in mental work, schoolchildren, students, as well as people engaged in heavy physical labor, athletes.

Daily requirement for choline:

• Children 0 to 11 months 50-70 mg;
• Children 1 to 3 years 70-90 mg;
• Children 3 to 7 years 100-200 mg;
• Children 7 to 18 years 200-500 mg;
• Men and women over 18 years old is 500 mg;
• Pregnant women – 700 mg;

Useful properties of vitamin B4

Choline plays an important role in the normal functioning of the nervous system. He is involved in the formation of a protective myelin sheath of nerves (calorizator). The presence of choline in the body prevents the destruction of the myelin layer, from damage to nerve cells. And also choline is the most important component of phospholipids (membranes) of cells.

Choline is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter-transmitter of the nerve impulse. Thus, choline prevents disorders of the nervous system.

Choline is also a hepatoprotector, it accelerates the structural recovery of damaged liver tissues under the toxic effects of drugs, viruses, alcohol and drugs. It improves liver function, prevents the formation of gallstones.

Choline reduces the level of cholesterol and the concentration of fatty acids in the blood, cleanses the walls of blood vessels from cholesterol plaques. Choline promotes the formation of methionine, due to which excesses of a special substance, homocysteine, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, are removed. As a result, choline strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes the heart rhythm.

Vitamin B4 is involved in carbohydrate metabolism in the pancreas. It strengthens the membranes of beta cells that produce insulin, thus normalizing blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the use of choline helps to reduce the need for insulin. In type II diabetes, choline helps to compensate for the lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body in order to reduce excess insulin levels (excess insulin is one of the factors in the development of type II diabetes).

Choline plays an important role in human reproduction. It is involved in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins in the prostate gland, increases sperm motility, and in old age prevents disruption of the prostate gland.

Choline stimulates the enzymatic breakdown of fats, normalizing fat metabolism.

At the end of the eighties of the last century, an experiment was conducted: English psychophysiologists gave 10 grams of choline to a group of volunteers for 10 days (calorizer). Tests conducted at the beginning and at the end of the experiment showed a significant improvement in short-term memory of the subjects.

Choline is the most important building material of the brain. Additional consumption of it by pregnant women (the fetus cannot produce it on its own) and children of the first five years of life has a positive effect on the mental abilities of babies.

Harmful properties of vitamin B4

Vitamin B4 can cause harm only in case of overdose. May cause: hypersensitivity, nausea, increased salivation and sweating, intestinal upset.

Vitamin B4 absorption

The best assimilation of choline is influenced by folic acid, vitamin B8, vitamin A, and other vitamins of group B.

Vitamin B4 deficiency in the body

indicators of the deficiency (hypovitaminosis) of choline in the body are:

• irritability, nervous breakdowns, fatigue ;
• diarrhea (when eating fatty foods), gastritis;
• deterioration of the liver and kidneys;
• high blood pressure;
• growth retardation;
• headache;
• tinnitus;
• arrhythmia.

Excess of vitamin B4 in the body

Usually, a long-term excess of vitamin B4 in the body does not cause painful effects. But in some individual cases, the following symptoms may appear: nausea, increased sweating, intestinal upset, low blood pressure.

Interaction of vitamin B4 (Choline) with other substances

In combination with lecithin, vitamin B4 promotes the transport and metabolism of fats in the liver, and its lack in nutrition leads to its fatty degeneration (hepatosis).

Choline deficiency can occur with low intake of folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12.

B4 contributes to the complete absorption of fat-soluble vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K.

Some antibacterial drugs, steroid hormones, alcoholic beverages or alcohol-containing substances reduce the level of choline activity.

Author: Marina L. (specially for Calorizator.ru)
Copying this article in whole or in part is prohibited.

What is the vitamin choline, instructions for taking

December 24, 2021

Choline is a valuable vitamin B4. It is especially important for regulating the rate of fat breakdown. The synthesis of an organic compound in the body is carried out by means of methionine, a special amino acid. Without choline, the formation of sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine, components that ensure the full functioning of cell membranes, is impossible. The substance as a whole is very important for the body, since without it such processes as the normal functioning of the central nervous system, the transmission of impulses through the membrane, lipid metabolism are impossible, and it also helps to prevent early aging of the body.

What is choline?

Choline is a water-soluble vitamin-like substance. This is aminoethyl alcohol, in which alkaline properties are strongly pronounced. Often it is also called vitamin B4. It is synthesized by the mechanism itself. It was originally obtained from bile in the 19th century.

Doctors recommend buying choline, as it is a powerful antioxidant, without which the cells of the brain, liver, and nervous system cannot fully function.

In a healthy person, this substance is produced in sufficient quantities. In addition, it is present in many products.

Choline is formed in the human body in the kidneys and liver, after which it is stored in membranes and cells. However, in old age, with significant physical exertion, while dieting, with certain diseases, there is a lack of it. Then additional consumption is required.

Choline deficiency is indicated by growth retardation, arrhythmia, tinnitus, headache, and many other indicators.

Choline brain benefits

Choline, present in the human body, helps improve memory, concentration, reduce the level of apathy, irritability. In addition, it helps to improve mood, activate thought processes.

In fact, this is due to the following factors. First of all, it can be noted that this substance belongs to neurotransmitters. With its help, signals are transmitted, and then from them they enter the muscle tissue. It is due to choline that we have the ability to speak, move, and think.

Important! Vitamin B4 affects the formation of the hippocampus. As you know, this part of the brain is responsible for the ability to learn, memory. Thus, it turns out that it is responsible for the development, formation, and activity of certain areas of the brain.

Another factor is that this substance is a significant component of the myelin sheath. It is she who covers the nerve fibers, preventing the occurrence of interruptions of any impulses.

But that’s not all. The substance prevents sclerosis of the brain.

Who is recommended to take choline?

Many people do not know what choline is, what it is intended for. Vitamin B4 injections are recommended for atherosclerosis, diabetes, as well as after heart attacks and strokes.

This substance is especially necessary for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The drug allows you to maintain the health of blood vessels, lower cholesterol, normalize heart rate, strengthen the heart muscle.

Capsulated drug is prescribed to normalize brain activity, treat dementia, improve memory.

When a cold is cured, medication helps, but the liver is severely damaged. For the same organ, the intake of alcohol in large quantities does not pass without a trace. This is when choline is required for the liver. In the restoration of cells, as well as in their further protection, it plays a significant role.

In addition, the product is recommended for people who have problems with the pancreas. It helps normalize blood sugar levels.

Suggested Use

Low levels of choline interfere with phospholipid formation. The release of fatty acids into the blood plasma is also disrupted. All these features lead to a significant increase in the risk of thrombosis. It is important to follow the recommendations for taking:

1. 200-300 g per day in the presence of liver disease. The dosage is needed to stimulate renewal processes, as well as general prevention.
2. 1000 mg for traumatic brain injury. The drug is taken parenterally – intramuscularly or intravenously. The course of treatment is 10-20 days with injections 1-4 times a day, depending on the general condition. Further therapy is prescribed to maintain for the next 4-6 months.
3. 400 mg – three times a day for 3-6 months in the presence of dementia.
4. 1000-3000 mg per day for pregnant women. The purpose of the reception in this case is to ensure the normal and full development of the child’s nervous system, its general normal development.

It is profitable to buy drugs with choline on this site. Dietary supplements are offered from various manufacturers with different concentrations of the substance in the composition. Complexes of various vitamins are also presented. Delivery is extremely fast, and dispatch is carried out on the day of the order.

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References

1. https://pubmed.