Lower Brain Choline Levels Linked to Anxiety Disorders

A comprehensive analysis from UC Davis Health has found that people with anxiety disorders have significantly lower levels of choline in the brain. Published in Molecular Psychiatry, the review examined 25 studies involving 370 individuals with anxiety and 342 without the condition. Results showed an average 8% reduction in brain choline levels among those with anxiety, particularly in the prefrontal cortex—an area essential for emotion regulation, reasoning and decision-making.

Researchers describe this as the first meta-analysis to identify a consistent chemical pattern associated with anxiety disorders. They suggest that nutritional strategies, including appropriate choline intake, may help support brain function. Choline plays a key role in cell structure, memory and mood, and must largely be obtained from the diet.

Given that anxiety affects roughly 30% of adults, the findings highlight the importance of understanding both biological and dietary factors. Foods rich in choline include egg yolks, beef liver, poultry, fish, soybeans and dairy produc

08-12-2025