Egg Yolks

Overview

Egg yolks provide choline (acetylcholine precursor), lutein/zeaxanthin (carotenoids), and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K2), supporting neurotransmitter synthesis and brain health. Acetylcholine and choline food sources include egg yolks, fish roe, soy, wheat germ, and liver.

Recipes

no recipes found

Substances

7 substances in this food

Choline

Acetylcholine precursor; methyl donor; phospholipid synthesis for membranes

Lutein

Neuroprotective carotenoid; accumulates in neural tissues and retina; supports cognitive performance

Vitamin A (Retinoids; β-Carotene precursor)

Neurodevelopment; immune regulation; antioxidant via carotenoids

Vitamin D

Neurotrophic and immune modulation; calcium homeostasis

Vitamin E (Tocopherols/Tocotrienols)

Lipid-phase antioxidant; protects PUFA (DHA) in membranes

Vitamin K2 (MK forms)

Calcium handling; potential roles in brain health; often co-occurs with fat-soluble vitamins

Zeaxanthin

Neuroprotective carotenoid; accumulates in neural tissues and retina; supports cognitive performance

Preparation Notes

• Choose pasture-raised for higher nutrient content
• Gentle cooking preserves nutrients
• Important for choline and carotenoid intake
• Pair with carotenoid-rich vegetables for enhanced absorption

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)	Choline	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Precursor for phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis; PE can be converted into PC or N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs); NAPEs are precursors to N-acyl ethanolamines (NAEs) like palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and anandamide (AEA), bioactive lipids which act as neuromodulators with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and mood-regulating effects
Gut Microbiome	Vitamin D	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Supports gut barrier integrity; nutrient deficiencies including vitamin D disrupt tight junctions, increasing permeability
Hormonal Response	Vitamin D	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD	Modulates neurotrophic factors vital for survival and growth of neurons; supports calcium homeostasis and calcium handling
Hormonal Response	Vitamin K2 (MK forms)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD	Modulates calcium distribution; supports calcium handling and may support neural function; occurs in fermented foods and certain animal products
Inflammation	Lutein	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Anti-inflammatory properties; supports immune regulation
Inflammation	Zeaxanthin	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Anti-inflammatory properties; supports immune regulation
Methylation	Choline	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease	Precursor to trimethylglycine (TMG/betaine), a dietary methyl donor that helps recycle homocysteine to methionine via an alternative pathway; supports one-carbon metabolism alongside folate, riboflavin, and B12; influences methylation dynamics relevant to MTHFR and COMT activity
Neurochemical Balance	Choline	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Essential precursor for acetylcholine synthesis, supporting memory, learning, and neuroplasticity; supports membrane phospholipid biosynthesis (PC) which is critical for membrane fluidity and neurotransmitter receptor function; phospholipid methylation (PLM) alters membrane structure, facilitating faster neuronal recovery and influencing ion channel behavior in gamma oscillations linked to attention and cognition
Oxidative Stress	Lutein	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Antioxidant properties; scavenges reactive oxygen species and stabilizes cell membranes
Oxidative Stress	Vitamin A (Retinoids; β-Carotene precursor)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Provitamin A carotenoids (β-carotene) act as antioxidants in neural tissue; contribute to antioxidant network
Oxidative Stress	Vitamin E (Tocopherols/Tocotrienols)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Lipid-phase antioxidant; protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in membranes from peroxidation; works within antioxidant network with vitamin C, CoQ10, and polyphenols
Oxidative Stress	Zeaxanthin	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Antioxidant properties; scavenges reactive oxygen species and stabilizes cell membranes
Stress Response	Vitamin D	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Modulates immune responses to reduce inflammation in the brain; supports stress response through neurotrophic and immune effects

References

• Acetylcholine and choline: Egg yolks, fish roe, soy, wheat germ, liver
• Carotenoids are abundant in leafy greens, orange and yellow vegetables, corn, and egg yolks
• Pasture-raised egg yolks for nutrient density