Choline in Pregnancy and Lactation: Essential Knowledge for Clinical Practice.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Choline identified as an essential nutrient in 1998 by the US Institute of Medicine.
• Crucial roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, cell membrane integrity, and metabolic processes.
• Intensive research into choline's impact on maternal, fetal, and infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive update on the latest evidence regarding choline.
• Targeted at clinicians and healthcare professionals for practical application.
• Focus on choline's role during pregnancy and lactation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search using PubMed and ScienceDirect.
• Inclusion of meta-analyses and systematic/review publications.
• Restriction to studies published within the last 10 years.

Main Results:

• Choline supports maternal health and fetal development, including neurological and liver function.
• Evidence suggests choline intake may reduce neural tube defect risk and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Significant gap exists between current choline intake and recommended levels for pregnant/lactating women.
• Projected increase in this gap due to rising popularity of plant-based diets.

Conclusions:

• Choline supplementation should be considered in dietary recommendations for pregnant and lactating individuals.
• Essential during life stages with increased physiological demand for choline.
• Highlights the need for increased awareness and intake of this critical nutrient.