What is the role of choline in preconception, pregnancy and postpartum health
Choline plays a crucial role in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum health due to its involvement in foetal brain development, cellular structure, and nervous system function. Here are its key roles in each stage:
Preconception
- Egg Quality and Fertility: Choline is involved in methylation, a process that affects gene expression and DNA integrity, which can influence egg quality and overall fertility. Adequate choline levels may support healthy ovulation and embryo implantation.
Pregnancy
- Foetal Brain Development: Choline is vital for foetal brain and spinal cord development, particularly in the formation of the hippocampus, which is associated with memory. It also supports proper neural tube closure, reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
- Cognitive Function: Research suggests that adequate choline intake during pregnancy may positively impact the child's cognitive function, attention, and memory later in life.
- Placental Function and Cellular Growth: Choline supports placental function, nutrient transport, and cell membrane formation, helping to ensure healthy foetal growth.
- Gene Expression: Choline is a key methyl donor in the methionine-homocysteine pathway, influencing gene expression and potentially reducing the risk of conditions like preeclampsia.
Postpartum
- Maternal Mental Health: Choline plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis, which may support maternal mood and reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
- Breastfeeding: During lactation, choline is transferred to breast milk to support the infant’s brain development, and it’s important for mothers to have an adequate intake to meet their own needs while supporting their baby.
Sources of Choline
Choline can be found in foods such as eggs (especially the yolk), liver, fish, poultry, dairy, and cruciferous vegetables. It's essential for those planning a pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding to ensure adequate choline intake, as it's often under-consumed and not always covered by prenatal vitamins.
The recommended daily intake of choline for pregnant women is around 450 mg, and 550 mg for lactating women.