<unk>  is an essential nutrient for humans and many other animals.<unk>  occurs as a cation that forms various salts (X− in the depicted formula is an undefined counteranion). To maintain health, it must be obtained from the diet as<unk>  or as<unk>  phospholipids, like phosphatidylcholine. Humans, as well as most other animal species, do make<unk>  de novo; however, production is generally insufficient.<unk>  is often not classified as a vitamin, but as a nutrient with an amino acid–like metabolism. In most animals,<unk>  phospholipids are necessary components in cell membranes, in the membranes of cell organelles, and in very low-density lipoproteins.<unk>  is required to produce acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter – and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a universal methyl donor. Upon methylation SAM is transformed into homocysteine. Symptomatic<unk>  deficiency – rare in humans – causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and muscle damage. Excessive consumption of<unk>  (greater than 7.5 g/day) can cause low blood pressure, sweating, diarrhea and fish-like body odor due to trimethylamine, which forms in its metabolism. Rich dietary sources of<unk>  and<unk>  phospholipids include organ meats and egg yolks, dairy products, peanuts, certain beans, nuts, seeds and vegetables with pasta and rice also contributing to<unk>  intake in the American diet.
Choline
Phenylacetic acid
Arachidonic acid
Keto acid
Gluten
Butyric acid
Palate
Inositol