Choline is an essential nutrientwhose availability during pregnancy shapes fetal neurodevelopment with lifelongimpacts on offspring cognitive and brain health. Recent evidence suggests thatthe Adequate Intake level may not meet the demands of pregnancy and fetalneurodevelopment, with possible lifelong consequences for the child.
Study Aim
To determine the effects ofmaternal choline supplementation (MCS) on offspring cognition and to assess theeffects of MCS on infant brain morphology and link these neural changes tocognitive functioning.
Scientific Approach
A randomized, double-blindclinical trial in pregnant women, contrasting a choline supplement with a controlcondition, followed by longitudinal behavioral assessments of infant cognitivedevelopment.
Expected Outcomes
The results this proposal seeksto generate will provide actionable evidence on the optimal choline intake forpregnant women, and will support efforts to increase choline consumption bypregnant women. Importantly, this will improve children’s cognitive functionswith possible life-long impacts by reducing in aging-related cognitive declineand reduced dysfunction in various neurological disorders.
