Why Are Choline, Betaine, and Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 Included in Vascunet?

Vascunet contains around 30 active ingredients, including choline, betaine, and the B vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12. These nutrients were specifically selected for their roles in homocysteine metabolism, fat metabolism, liver function, and the cardiovascular system.

Choline: Essential for Fat Transport, Brain Function, and Liver Health

Choline is often referred to as a “vitamin-like substance.” The body can produce it in small amounts, but usually not enough, so dietary intake or supplementation is necessary. Choline is essential for:

building cell membranes,

transporting fats through the bloodstream,

producing neurotransmitters in the brain,

and maintaining normal liver function.

Additionally, choline contributes to:

normal homocysteine metabolism,

normal lipid metabolism.

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recommends an adequate intake (AI) of 400 mg of choline per day for adults, with higher amounts advised for pregnant women (480 mg/day) and lactating women (520 mg/day). However, studies show that many people do not meet these recommendations.

In postmenopausal women, a choline deficiency can have more serious consequences, such as fatty liver or muscle damage. This is because the production of choline-dependent enzymes is influenced by estrogen, which decreases after menopause.

Vascunet contains choline bitartrate, a well-absorbed and bioavailable form of choline, chosen for its effectiveness.

Betaine: Working with Choline in Homocysteine Metabolism

Betaine (also known as trimethylglycine) works closely with choline and is involved in the conversion of homocysteine into methionine. This process helps maintain healthy homocysteine levels in the blood.

Elevated homocysteine is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Supplementing with choline and betaine can help reduce homocysteine levels and lower cardiovascular risk.

Additionally, recent studies suggest that betaine and choline may offer beneficial effects in obesity and diabetes, partly through their role in mitochondrial energy production and lipid balance.

Vitamins B6, B9, and B12: Coenzymes in Homocysteine Breakdown

In addition to choline and betaine, the B vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12 are essential for homocysteine metabolism. They function as coenzymes in the conversion of homocysteine into methionine or cysteine, helping to keep homocysteine levels balanced.

A deficiency in one or more of these vitamins can lead to elevated homocysteine levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular damage. Furthermore, research shows that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with lower choline concentrations in the blood. Thus, B12 supplementation can also support choline metabolism indirectly.

Summary

The combination of choline bitartrate, betaine, and the B vitamins B6, B9, and B12 in Vascunet is scientifically substantiated. These nutrients act synergistically to:

lower homocysteine levels,

support fat metabolism and liver health,

and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

References

Choline supplements: An update, Front Endocrinol 2023, doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148166

Choline‐related‐inherited metabolic diseases—A mini review, J Inherit Metab Dis 2019, doi: 10.1002/jimd.12011

Betaine and choline improve lipid homeostasis in obesity by participation in mitochondrial oxidative demethylation, Front Nutr, 2018, doi: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00061