Park Ridge, Ill. (August 12, 2009) – Research published online in the journal Epidemiology found that higher levels of total blood choline are associated with a 2.5-fold reduction in risk for neural tube birth defects (NTDs).(1) NTDs are birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, and the two most common NTDs are spina bifida and anencephaly. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 3,000 pregnancies in the U.S. are affected by NTDs each year.(2,3) This study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the important role of choline in fetal development.
Study Findings
In the research discussion, the investigators note that the cause of NTDs is very complex and that supplementation of the food supply with folic acid, though effective, is only part of the solution. "This study is exciting because it offers new clues for preventing serious birth defects like spina bifida," said Dr. Gary M. Shaw, co-author of the study and professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. "This research should be repeated in other settings so we can learn more about the best nutrition advice to give pregnant women."
The Benefits of Choline
Emerging research also shows that choline may have additional benefits in areas such as:
Closing the Choline Consumption Gap
For those looking to add more choline to their diet, Ward offers these additional tips:
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(1)Shaw, Gary M. et al. Choline and risk of neural tube defects in a folate-fortified population. Epidemiology ; published online July 10, 2009. Paper to be published September 2009.
(2)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Folic Acid Data and Statistics (March 13, 2009). Retrieved on July 29, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/data.html .
(3)Mercereau, P., et al. Spina Bifida and Anencephaly Before and After Folic Acid Mandate–United States, 1995-1996 and 1999-2000. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, volume 53, number 17, May 7, 2004, pages 362-365.
(4)Zeisel SH. Choline: Needed for normal development of memory: JACN 2000; 19 (5); 528S-531S.
(5)Xu X. Choline metabolism and risk of breast cancer in a population-based study. FASEB 2008; 22:1-8.
(6)Cho E, et al. Dietary choline and betaine assessed by food-frequency questionnaire in relation to plasma total homocysteine concentration in the Framingham Offspring Study. AJCN 2006; 83: 905-11.
(7)Jensen HH, et al. Choline in the diets of the US population: NHANES, 2003-2004. Abstract presented at Experimental Biology 2007. Paper in publication.
Epidemiology