Cognitive decline is a growing concern as populations age, and diet may play a key role in preserving cognitive function. A 2021 study found that people with moderate choline intake—about the amount in two to three eggs or a serving of salmon—were half as likely to experience cognitive decline than those with low intake.

Researchers categorized roughly 2,400 older adults enrolled in NHANES based on their daily choline intake: low (less than 188 milligrams), moderate (188 to 400 milligrams), or high (more than 400 milligrams). Then, they ranked them according to their performance on various cognitive tests.

They found that people with moderate choline intake were 33% to 50% less likely to have low cognitive function than those with the lowest intake. Interestingly, those with higher intake didn’t perform better on the cognitive tests, suggesting a “sweet spot” for choline intake.

These findings indicate that incorporating moderate amounts of choline-rich foods into one’s diet may protect brain health during aging. This protective effect may be due to choline’s role in producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in neurogenesis, synapse formation, learning, and memory. In addition, research in animal models shows that choline deficiency increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and damages vital organs in mice.

Choline is found in many foods. Good sources of this essential nutrient include: - Eggs (1 large): ~147 milligrams - Fish (salmon, 3 ounces, cooked): ~187 milligrams - Cauliflower (1 cup, cooked): ~72 milligrams - Beef (3 ounces, cooked): ~78 milligrams Learn more about choline’s role in brain health in this Q&A featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.