On May 20 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the long-awaited food nutrition labeling Final Rule. In it, FDA has established a Reference Dietary Intake (RDI) of 550mg of choline for foods and supplement products that include the nutrient. Products with claims on choline content or benefits will now show choline and its percent Daily Value (DV) on the label, providing consumers with a highly visible measure of the choline content of foods.
 
First discovered over a century ago, choline was recognized as an essential nutrient by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 1998. Public awareness of the nutrient has been low, resulting in inadequate dietary intakes. A recent study on total U.S. choline intake found that approximately 90% of adults do not consume enough of this nutrient.
 
In providing for choline labeling on foods and dietary supplements, Balchem Corporation said it believes FDA has taken an important step towards helping consumers ensure they get sufficient choline in their diets.
 
A growing body of compelling scientific evidence points to the importance of choline in maintaining a healthy mind and body. Choline plays a unique role in maintaining a healthy liver by facilitating the transport of fats out of the liver for conversion to energy. In the brain, choline supports lifelong memory function and recent research suggests that it may lead to improved academic performance among young children and teens. More information may be found at the Choline Information Council, a choline clearinghouse sponsored by Balchem.
 
The FDA establishment of a Daily Value is the latest positive news for choline. In October 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a large multinational study that showed that choline intakes in Europe are also low. EFSA’s proposal of European Adequate Intakes for choline quickly followed. It is clear that regulatory agencies across the globe now recognize the importance of this essential nutrient. Consumers are interested in choline as well— two-thirds of respondents in a recent survey said they would pay more for products containing choline.
 
“We are very pleased with the FDA’s recognition of choline as an essential nutrient with a Reference Daily Intake of 550mg,” said Eric Smith, vice president of human nutrition and pharma. “This recognition validates the science that Balchem has supported over many years. We look forward to working with supplement and food manufacturers to leverage this greater visibility for choline to further improve the health and wellness of people around the world.”
 
Balchem produces VitaCholine a line of water-soluble choline salts that can be used to fortify a wide range of supplements and foods. VitaCholineoffers relevant and important nutritional benefits, according to the company, by helping consumers around the globe attain proper levels of choline in the diet.