Dr. Brenda Hartman, Assistant Professor, Food and Nutritional Sciences at Brescia University College, presents:
Choline: A Nutrient to Know
When we think of nutrients of importance during pregnancy, we think about iron and folate. However, emerging evidence suggests we should also include choline in that list. Choline is an essential vitamin-like nutrient important for: neurotransmitter synthesis, lipid metabolism and transport, cell integrity, methylation and other functions. While the human body can produce choline in the liver, the amount is not enough for human needs.
Choline is needed across the entire lifespan; however, it is critical for optimal brain development in utero. It is still underrecognized by the general population and health care professionals.