Choline pills may harm blood vessels, small study suggests
NCT ID NCT03327805
First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether taking choline supplements for a short time affects blood vessel function in 20 healthy adults. Choline is a nutrient found in foods like eggs and meat, but when gut bacteria break it down, it produces a compound called TMAO, which has been linked to heart disease in animals. The researchers measured artery function before and after 28 days of choline or placebo to see if the supplement causes any changes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only โ not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- choline (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If this study shows that choline supplements impair blood vessel function, it could help explain how diet affects heart disease risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in healthy adults, so results may not apply to everyone. The supplement dose is high, and findings may not lead to clear health advice.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
Virginia Polytechnic and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
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