This review article points out that choline plays a key role in brain development. Choline contributes to the structure and function of cell membranes and serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In experimental animals, the availability of choline during the prenatal period influences cognitive function throughout the life span. Thus, animals that receive abundant amounts of choline in utero, as compared with a normal amount of choline, have greater memory capacity in adulthood and a slower rate of cognitive decline with advancing age (Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2003;27:385-399). Conversely, choline deficiency during early development leads to permanently impaired brain function and greater cognitive decline with age.

Comment: Foods rich in choline include eggs, soybeans, spinach, nuts, wheat germ, chicken, beef, salmon, and cod. Whole wheat contains more than twice as much choline as does refined flour. The recommended Adequate Intake for choline is 425 mg/day for adult females and 550 mg/day for lactating females (because human milk contains large amounts of choline). The mean daily choline intake of women has been estimated to be 258 mg or 443 mg, depending on the method of analysis. In a study of California women, dietary choline intake was found to vary enough to have a potential influence pregnancy outcome. Pregnant women should make an effort to include some high-choline foods in their diet, and those who are unable to do so should consider taking a multivitamin that contains choline or lecithin (which contains choline).

Zeisel SH. Choline, homocysteine, and pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;82:719-720.