Anxiety disorders tied to low levels of an essential nutrient in the brain (choline)

Medical Xpress / UC Davis / Molecular Psychiatry ^ | Nov. 10, 2025 | Richard J. Maddock et al

[ConservativeMind]

People with anxiety disorders have lower levels of choline in their brains, according to research.

The study analyzed data from 25 studies. The researchers compared the levels of neurometabolites—chemicals produced during brain metabolism—in 370 people with anxiety disorders to 342 people without anxiety.

They found the level of choline—an essential nutrient—was about 8% lower in those with anxiety disorders. The evidence for low choline was especially consistent in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that helps control thinking, emotions and behavior.

"This is the first meta-analysis to show a chemical pattern in the brain in anxiety disorders," said Jason Smucny. "It suggests nutritional approaches—like appropriate choline supplementation—may help restore brain chemistry and improve outcomes for patients."

Choline (pronounced KOE lean) is vital for cell membranes and brain functions like memory, mood regulation and muscle control. The body makes a small amount, but most must come from food.

Maddock spent decades in clinical practice treating patients with anxiety disorders and conducting research on these conditions.

"Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting about 30% of adults. They can be debilitating for people, and many people do not receive adequate treatment," Maddock said.

Anxiety disorders include:

—Generalized anxiety disorder

—Panic disorder

—Social anxiety disorders

—Phobias

"Someone with an anxiety disorder might want to look at their diet and see whether they are getting the recommended daily amount of choline. Previous research has shown that most people in the U.S., including children, don't get the recommended daily amount," Maddock said. "Some forms of omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in salmon, may be especially good sources for supplying choline to the brain."

Other foods rich in choline include beef liver, eggs (particularly the yolk), beef, chicken, fish, soybeans and milk, among others.

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: anxiety; brain; choline; nerves

[ConservativeMind]

Pantethine really helps it.

[ConservativeMind]

Yes, I may have posted a study write up on that, some months back.