STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Boosting choline, a precursor for acetylcholine, may be an important part of pain relief, but an estimated 90% of the U.S. population is deficient
Researchers from the University of Chicago revealed that targeting an acetylcholine receptor led to pain-relieving effects in mice, even in animals that were tolerant to opioids
The pathway did not activate the brain’s reward system, so there’s little chance of addiction, and there was no tolerance built up or withdrawal symptoms when the treatment stopped
Choline plays a significant role in human health, from neurotransmitter synthesis to cell structures, and may be involved in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), atherosclerosis and neurological disorders
Krill oil and eggs, particularly the yolks, are excellent choline sources