Amino Acid
Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate)
Also known as: choline bitartrate, DL-choline bitartrate, choline salt
Choline (as DL-choline bitartrate) is an essential nutrient required for neurotransmitter synthesis, cell membrane integrity, and lipid metabolism. Bitartrate is an inexpensive salt form with moderate bioavailability.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost CDP Choline Capsules | 95 A | $0.16 |
| 2 | Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout | 90 A | $1.67 |
| 3 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 4 | Thorne Basic Prenatal | 88 A | $1.23 |
| 5 | Thorne Men's Multi 50+ | 88 A | $1.87 |
| 6 | Ritual Essential Prenatal | 88 A | $0.65 |
| 7 | NOW Foods Phosphatidyl Serine | 87 A | $0.37 |
| 8 | Thorne B-Complex #12 | 86 A- | $0.43 |
| 9 | Thorne B-Complex #6 | 86 A- | $0.43 |
| 10 | Thorne Basic B Complex | 86 A- | $0.45 |
| 11 | Thorne MediClear-SGS™ - Vanilla | 86 A- | $2.10 |
| 12 | Thorne Stress B-Complex | 85 A- | $0.43 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) should I take?
The typical range is 250–600 mg daily. Safe for long-term use; adequate intake 550 mg (men), 425 mg (women)
When should I take Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate)?
can be taken anytime; typically with meals for GI tolerance. Taking with food may improve tolerance and absorption.
Which form of Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) is best?
DL-choline bitartrate.
Is Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) safe?
Commonly reported: fish-like body odor (rare, dose-dependent), nausea, abdominal discomfort.
Which Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) supplement scores highest?
Nutricost CDP Choline Capsules, at 95/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Daily target & upper limit
550 mg / day · UL 3500 mgCholine (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) dosage reference →Primary uses
- cognitive function
- liver health
- cell membrane structure
- neurotransmitter synthesis
How it works
- precursor to acetylcholine (neurotransmitter)
- component of phosphatidylcholine
- methyl donor for homocysteine metabolism
Dosage
- Typical range
- 250–600 mg daily
- Timing
- can be taken anytime; typically with meals for GI tolerance
- With food
- Taking with food may improve tolerance and absorption
- Duration
- Safe for long-term use; adequate intake 550 mg (men), 425 mg (women)
- Special populations
- Pregnant/lactating women: 930 mg daily; DL form has lower activity than L-form
Forms
- DL-choline bitartrate· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- fish-like body odor (rare, dose-dependent)
- nausea
- abdominal discomfort
Contraindications
- trimethylaminuria (TMAU) or genetic predisposition
Products containing Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Choline (as DL-Choline Bitartrate) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Choline has good evidence for liver and cognitive health; bitartrate form has moderate bioavailability; more bioavailable forms include CDP-choline and choline alphoscerate.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Amino Acid
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.