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

Locations

  • Virginia Polytechnic and State University

    Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States

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