Choline

• B vitamin; humans can synthesize; not in high enough amounts to meet needs; not essential
• Role in Reproductive function:

  • Large amount of choline --> Transported via mother’s blood --> Embryo

  • Large amount of choline in human milk

  • Biosynthesis of choline catalyzed by PEMT <-- Induced by Estrogen
• Function:

  • Source of Methyl groups (Regulate gene function, Neural tube, Brain development)

  • Precursor of intracellular messengers (Ach)

  • Component of phospholipids in membrane
• Congenital Development

  • Associated w/ lower risk for NTD in population studies

  • Diets w/ high choline --> Do well on memory & cognitive ability tests
• RDA:

  • Women: 425 mg/ day

  • Pregnancy: 450 mg/ day

  • Average intake in US: 400 mg [Men]; 280 mg [Women]

  • Often not included in prenatal vitamin supplement
• Best source: animal