Animal supplement companies present research suggesting that choline is vital in the healthy development of young animals. In various species, problems can include retarded growth, behavioral disturbances, poor fertility, nerve disorders, poor coat, breathing problems, loss of appetite, and muscular dystrophy.
When supplementing with choline, it is important to remember that while it isn’t toxic, consumption of too much choline can lead to over-stimulation of the muscles. In human beings, this means tightening of the shoulders and neck, resulting in tension headaches. It could spell problems for hedgies as well. Thus, food sources of choline may be preferable to processed sources. Foods high in choline include egg yolks, liver, meats, brewers yeast, milk, lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, and whole grain cereals. Eggs and meats should always be cooked before feeding to hedgehogs.
References:
http://www.smartbasic.com/glos.nutrients/choline.glos.html
http://www.ironmag.com/choline.html
http://www.cholinechloride.com/func1.htm
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