Common nutrient deficiency may be silently damaging young brains: Study - Video

Obesity in your 20s and 30s might already be quietly stressing your brain-like warning lights flashing decades before memory fades. Scientists at Arizona State University discovered that young adults with obesity carry inflammation, liver strain, and early neuron damage markers mimicking those in elderly folks with cognitive woes.

Their findings, published in Aging and Disease, spotlight low choline key nutrient a hidden culprit accelerating these risks.

Obesity doesn't just pack on pounds; it sparks metabolic chaos like insulin resistance and high blood pressure, which, over the years, fuel brain decline and Alzheimer's odds. Yet this study reveals the damage kicks off way sooner, linking body fat to brain biology in surprising ways.

The team compared 30 healthy-weight and 30 obese adults in their 20s-30s, analyzing fasting blood for choline, inflammatory cytokines, insulin, glucose, liver enzymes, metabolic markers, and neurofilament light chain (NfL), a protein signaling neuron injury.

Obese participants showed higher inflammation and liver stress proteins, elevated NfL (even without symptoms), plus sharply lower circulating choline tied to worse insulin resistance and metabolic strain. Women had even lower choline than men, matching their higher Alzheimer's rates later in life.

These patterns eerily mirrored older adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, where low choline pairs with high NfL—hinting obesity ignites neurodegeneration pathways early.

Choline, vital for cell membranes, inflammation control, liver detox, and memory neurotransmitter acetylcholine, mostly comes from foods like eggs, fish, poultry, beans, and broccoli; many young people fall short.

The study warns that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs slashing appetite might worsen choline gaps, urging nutrient checks.

Boosting intake via diet could curb inflammation, shield neurons, and build resilience for healthy aging—starting now.

REFERENCE: Wendy Winslow. Reduced Blood Choline in Obesity Is Associated with Metabolic and Alzheimer’s Biomarkers. aging and disease, 2025; DOI: 10.14336/AD.2025.1207