What is Acetylcholine and What Does it Do?

What is acetylcholine? What does acetylcholine do? How do you spell it? That last one is easy (A C E T Y L C H O L I N E), but the first two might require a little more time. Luckily, if you're sitting around googling "what is the function of acetylcholine," you probably have nothing BUT time. So let's buckle in, put our reading glasses on, and prepare for the ultimate guide to what is acetylcholine and what does it do?

Introduction to Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine: a word one vowel shy of a full house, is a neurotransmitter. If you're not familiar with what neurotransmitters are, they're basically chemicals in your body that allow neurons (communication cells) to talk with each other.[1] You can see how that might be important! Neurons send signals all around your body, to and from your brain. Neurons let you react to touching a hot pan, tell your hand to high-five your friend, and even learn new things! And for all of those things to be possible, neurons require neurotransmitters. However, not all neurotransmitters are the same, and they all serve different functions. The neurotransmitter in question, acetylcholine, has a few primary functions supporting memory, mood, and muscle health.

Acetylcholine was discovered all the way back in 1867, back when Alaska was known as Seward's Folly and the bicycle was the best thing since unsliced bread.[2] Over the years, our understanding of acetylcholine has only grown, with a man named Henry Dale and his colleague isolating naturally occurring acetylcholine in 1913. Then, in the 1930s, an experiment involving acetylcholine and measuring the twitching muscle of a leech (real mad science stuff) proved the first evidence of acetylcholine's role as a neurotransmitter.[2] This continued study has led to a better understanding of the role of acetylcholine in the body. Speaking of which...

The Role of Acetylcholine in the Body

So we know that acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, but what does it do, exactly? Let's break it up into a couple of sections.

Acetylcholine in the Nervous System

Have you ever wondered what is the role of acetylcholine in the nervous system? Don't be nervous; it's pretty simple. Acetylcholine functions in the autonomic nervous system, working as a neurotransmitter between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.[3] Okay, maybe it's not so simple! Preganglionic neurons connect the central nervous system to the ganglia, which are collections of neurons outside the central nervous system. From there, postganglionic neurons connect the ganglia to whatever muscle or tissue you want to send a signal to.[4]

Now, imagine you're in an action movie, and the star just said, "In English, Doc!" Basically, acetylcholine functions as the driver taking you (a signal) from home (your brain) in a taxi (preganglionic neuron) to the airport (ganglia). Then, acetylcholine also pilots the airplane (postganglionic neuron) to Hawaii (your muscle). That would be a pretty silly action movie!

Acetylcholine and Muscle Function

What does acetylcholine do in muscle contraction? Acetylcholine is essential for muscle function as part of its role as a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is found in what's known as the "neuromuscular junction." That's what it sounds like; it's the junction where neurons in your spine connect with your muscles, telling them to move and contract![3]

 Cognitive Functions and Memory

What does acetylcholine do in the brain? Acetylcholine receptors play a role in encoding new memories, possibly enhancing the way our brain encodes memories in different structures.[5] This works by enhancing the sensory signals directed toward the central nervous system while lowering the feedback signals in the cortex.[5] Acetylcholine is also involved in motivation and attention in the brain.[3]

Supporting Acetylcholine Production Naturally

So, if it does so much, how can you support the production of acetylcholine in the body? And what’s acetylcholine vs choline?

Choline: The Precursor to Acetylcholine

Choline, an essential nutrient, is the precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in healthy brain function. That might not come as too much of a surprise, as Choline makes up about half the word acetylcholine. The other half is acetate. Acetylcholine is synthesized from acetate and choline by combining acetyl coenzyme A and Choline in a nerve terminal.[6] By providing your body with Choline through dietary or supplementary sources, you can help support the production of this vital neurotransmitter.

Dietary Sources and Supplements

90% of adults don't meet the recommended intake levels for Choline! You can increase your dietary intake by picking high Choline foods, like beef liver and hard-boiled eggs.[7] Soybeans, wheat germ, and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli are also dietary sources of Choline. If you're looking to supplement your dietary intake of Choline, check out Nature Made® Choline Gummies, which provide 300 mg of Choline in two delicious, Green Apple flavored gummies. Additionally, our Prenatal Folic Acid + DHA + Choline Gummies are specially formulated with Choline, Folic Acid, and DHA, along with other key nutrients to support the baby's development and mom's overall health.†

Embracing a Balanced Approach with Nature Made

So now you know what acetylcholine is, what it does, and why it's so important to support your acetylcholine by getting enough Choline foods in your diet! Acetylcholine plays an important role in your nervous system by supporting communication with your muscles and helps support memory and brain function. We're dedicated to providing high-quality supplements to support brain health. Nature Made® is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand.*†

*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. Physiology, Neurotransmitters. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/
2. Tansey EM. Henry Dale and the discovery of acetylcholine. C R Biol. 2006;329(5-6):419-425. doi:10.1016/j.crvi.2006.03.012
3. Sam C, Bordoni B. Physiology, Acetylcholine. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557825/
4. LeBouef T, Yaker Z, Whited L. Physiology, Autonomic Nervous System. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538516/
5. Hasselmo ME. The role of acetylcholine in learning and memory. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2006;16(6):710-715. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2006.09.002
6. Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al., editors. Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. Acetylcholine. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11143/
7. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Choline. Nih.gov. Published 2017. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/