For a long while, choline was considered a non-essential vitamin. But recent evidence confirms that the body cannot make enough choline to meet daily needs. This evidence prompted the National Academy of Science to create a daily value for choline of 550 mg. What’s important to know: Dietary intake of choline is often below this level, and choline is an important nutrient for a key process called methylation, as well as cell health, brain functioning, and the liver’s important role in breaking down fats for use in the body. Methylation also supports vitamin absorption, DNA production and gene regulation—all critical roles for the body. It’s required for learning, attention and memory, and certain genetic variations (MTHFD1 and PEMT) have been associated with increased choline needs. For women with low estrogen levels, saying during post-menopause, their choline needs increase. Choline requirements also rise during pregnancy.‡