Neurotransmitter
Acetylcholine
The first neurotransmitter ever discovered. Essential for memory, learning, attention, and muscle contraction—from thinking clearly to moving your body.
#1
First NT Discovered
2
Receptor Types (M + N)
Choline
Key Dietary Precursor
AChE
Rapid Breakdown Enzyme
🧪 Acetylcholine Synthesis
Choline
From diet (eggs, liver)
+
Acetyl-CoA
From B1, B5, glucose
→
Acetylcholine
ChAT enzyme
Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) combines choline and acetyl-CoA.
🧠 Brain Functions
- • Memory formation - hippocampus dependent
- • Learning - synaptic plasticity
- • Attention - focus and concentration
- • REM sleep - dreaming
- • Arousal - wakefulness
Degenerates in Alzheimer's—AChE inhibitors are primary treatment.
💪 Body Functions
- • Muscle contraction - neuromuscular junction
- • Heart rate - slows via vagus nerve
- • Digestion - increases motility, secretions
- • Bronchi - constriction (asthma connection)
- • Glands - salivation, tears, sweat
"Rest and digest" parasympathetic functions.
🔻 Signs of Low Acetylcholine
Cognitive
- • Memory problems
- • Difficulty learning
- • Poor concentration
Physical
- • Dry mouth
- • Dry eyes
- • Constipation
Muscular
- • Muscle weakness
- • Slow movement
- • Poor coordination
🥚 Supporting Acetylcholine
Dietary Choline
- • Eggs - best source (especially yolks)
- • Liver - very high in choline
- • Beef - good source
- • Soybeans, lecithin
Supplements
- • Alpha-GPC - crosses blood-brain barrier
- • CDP-Choline (Citicoline) - also neuroprotective
- • Phosphatidylcholine - from lecithin
- • Huperzine A - AChE inhibitor (herbal)
Metabolic Connections
Choline
Direct precursor—must come from diet or synthesis
Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid is needed to make acetyl-CoA
Memory
ACh is critical for memory formation and recall
Dopamine
ACh and dopamine balance each other in the brain
Parasympathetic
Rest-and-digest response uses ACh
Vitamin B1
Thiamine supports acetyl-CoA production