INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
PharmacoGenetics
Choline Supplementation During Pregnancy: Impact on Fetal Brain Development
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Parnian Behjati,1,*
1. Varastegan university
- Introduction: Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the development of the brain, influencing neuron growth, movement capabilities, synapse formation, and myelination. As the demand for choline rises during the development of a fetus and numerous mothers lack sufficient amounts in their nutrition, the use of choline supplements during pregnancy has emerged as a helpful strategy to support fetal brain growth. This review of existing literature gathers recent studies on how choline supplementation during pregnancy impacts various aspects of fetal brain growth and the cognitive results in children later on.
- Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant articles published up to May 4, 2025. Search terms included "choline," "pregnancy," "fetal brain development," "neurodevelopment," "cognition," and "supplementation." Studies were selected based on their focus on the relationship between choline supplementation during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and animal studies were included to provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence.
- Results: Research utilizing animal models consistently demonstrates that administering choline to pregnant women promotes the growth of the fetal brain, enhances synaptic connections, and supports prolonged synaptic improvement. Observational studies in humans show a link between increased choline consumption by mothers and enhanced cognitive skills, such as memory and attention, in their children. Certain outcomes from randomized controlled trials indicate that choline supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects and improve infants' information processing speed. Nevertheless, the precise ideal quantity of choline and the long-term impacts of prenatal choline consumption on cognitive abilities in humans remain uncertain. Additionally, some research suggests that variations in maternal genetics could influence choline metabolism and affect how children respond to this supplementation.
- Conclusion: Choline supplements taken during pregnancy seem to offer advantages for improving fetal brain growth and could result in improved cognitive outcomes for kids. However, more thorough human randomized controlled trials are required to determine the optimal amounts of choline, ascertain which individuals benefit or not due to maternal genetic factors and eating habits, and assess the safety and effectiveness of prenatal choline supplements over the long term. Upcoming research should focus on tailored nutritional approaches to ensure adequate choline levels during this crucial developmental stage.
- Keywords: Choline, pregnancy, fetal brain, neurodevelopment, supplementation, cognition
