Figures & data
Figure 1 Women, during pregnancy and lactation, should eat diets that contain adequate amounts of choline.
Notes: Phosphatidylcholine, a source of choline, is formed in the liver, and the gene responsible for endogenous synthesis is induced by estrogen during pregnancy. Choline is also derived from the diet, where milk, meat, and eggs are rich sources. Diets in many low income countries and in approximately a fourth of women in high income countries may be too low in choline content. In addition, there are common genetic polymorphisms that increase the dietary choline requirement for many women. Adequate intake of dietary choline may be important for optimal fetal outcome (birth defects, brain development) and may also be important for maternal liver and placental function.
