A new study from UC Davis Health found that people with anxiety disorders appear to have lower levels of choline, an essential nutrient linked to brain function.

The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, reviewed 25 datasets from 24 earlier studies involving 370 people with anxiety disorders and 342 people without anxiety.

Researchers used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or 1H-MRS, a specialized MRI-based technique that measures brain chemistry. The analysis focused on generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

The study found an average 8% reduction in choline-containing compounds in the brains of people with anxiety disorders.

Researchers said the difference was especially consistent in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in emotional control, decision making, planning, and behavior regulation.

Jason Smucny, co-author of the study and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, said the findings point to a possible chemical pattern linked to anxiety disorders.

Smucny said the results suggest nutritional approaches such as appropriate choline supplementation could potentially help restore brain chemistry, although more research is needed.

Choline helps build cell membranes and supports brain functions linked to memory, mood regulation, learning, attention, and muscle control.

The body produces small amounts of choline naturally, but most of it must come from food sources such as eggs, salmon, meat, poultry, soybeans, and cruciferous vegetables.

Researchers noted that previous studies found that many people in the US do not consume the recommended amount of choline.

The study suggests prolonged anxiety may increase demand for choline-related compounds in the brain faster than they can be replaced.

The researchers stressed that the findings do not prove that low choline causes anxiety or that supplements can treat anxiety disorders.

Richard Maddock, senior author of the study, said more research is needed before any treatment conclusions can be made.

Maddock cautioned against taking large doses of choline supplements without medical guidance, noting that excessive supplementation can carry risks.

The study also found signs of lower cortical N-acetylaspartate levels after excluding outlier datasets, which researchers said may point to altered neuronal function, although the choline findings remained the strongest result.

Maddock said/ nutrition may still play a role in brain chemistry linked to anxiety, especially in people already lacking key nutrients.

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