Nutrition Unscrambled

Updates on Choline and Pregnancy

By Anna Shlachter, MS, RD, LDN
April 27th, 2012

Today’s blog post is written by Allison Fischer, Dietetic Intern at Loyola University. Allison is doing a rotation at ENC and completes her internship in May 2012.

Enjoy!

Updates on Choline and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a nutritionally significant period of life and a healthful and balanced diet is required to support proper growth and development of the baby and mother. Choline is an essential, but not a widely known nutrient for which mothers have increased needs during pregnancy. An interview with Cornell researcher, Dr Marie Caudill, highlights the significance of choline and further research endeavors.

Choline is required for proper cell functioning, cognitive functioning, and stress modulation. Adequate maternal intake can have significant long term impact on the child such as improved memory and learning. It is also believed that reductions in stress hormones mediated by choline can improve the temperament of babies and reduce future anxiety and stress related diseases. While choline can be taken later in life, choline exposure in utero has a stronger effect over time.

For more information make sure to check out The Scientist: Prof. Caudill Researches the Effects of Choline on Fetal Development in the Cornell Daily Sun and be on the lookout for her published findings in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.



About

Nutrition Unscrambled  is written by nutrition experts with the Egg Nutrition Center, which is funded by the American Egg Board. It is monitored and maintained by the public relations agency of record. The mission of the Egg Nutrition Center is to be a credible source of nutrition and health science information and the acknowledged leader in research and education related to eggs. For more information, click here.

About the Bloggers

Mitch Kanter, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Egg Nutrition Center. For more information about
Mitch, click here.
Marcia Greenblum, MS, RD is the Senior Director, Nutrition Education at the Egg Nutrition Center. For more information about Marcia, click here.
Anna Shlachter, MS, RD, LDN is the Program Manager, Nutrition Research and Communications at the Egg Nutrition Center. For more information about Anna, click here.

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Disclaimer

All information provided within this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and it is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. Please consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or before making changes to your diet or health behaviors.