What is Choline and Why Is It Essential for Brain Development?

By Dr. Najma Moumin and Professor Tim Green

NEW RESEARCH FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SAHMRI) AND FLINDERS UNIVERSITY HAS REVEALED SOMETHING EVERY PARENT-TO-BE NEEDS TO HEAR: MANY BABIES ARE MISSING OUT ON CHOLINE, A VITAL NUTRIENT FOR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. SHOCKINGLY, 65% OF INFANTS AND OVER 75% OF TODDLERS IN AUSTRALIA ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH CHOLINE. THIS NUTRIENT IS CRUCIAL FOR COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT, HELPING WITH EVERYTHING FROM CELL MEMBRANE FORMATION TO NERVE FUNCTION.

The good news? Choline is easily accessible through a simple dietary addition: eggs. Australian Eggs has released this research to highlight that while many parents focus on prenatal vitamins, choline is a nutrient that’s often overlooked, yet it’s easy to obtain through everyday foods. Just one egg provides 74% of pregnant women’s daily choline requirement, making it an affordable and simple solution.

THE CHOLINE GAP

According to the study, only 35% of infants (6-12 months) and 23% of toddlers (12-24 months) are meeting the recommended choline intake set by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Low choline intake among babies six months to two years of age concerning as choline is an essential nutrient for achieving optimal brain function and insufficient amounts may negatively impact development.

WHY CHOLINE MATTERS

Choline plays a critical role in brain development, especially in the early years of life. It supports the formation of cell membranes, aids in nerve function, and is crucial for cognitive development. Low choline intake during these formative years could have lasting effects on a child’s cognitive development and overall health.

SOURCES OF CHOLINE

The research highlighted that young children who consumed eggs had the highest choline intakes and were most likely to meet nutritional recommendations. Breastmilk is the primary source of choline for infants, providing 42% of their total intake. For toddlers, breastmilk accounts for 14% of the choline supply. Australian eggs are a rich source of choline, making them an excellent addition to a young child's diet. Sharon Natoli, accredited dietitian and founder of Food & Nutrition Australia says one egg contains around 164 mg of choline, making it an excellent addition to a young child's diet. Including two eggs per day means children can achieve all of their daily intake, supporting brain development and cognitive function.

Previous studies have also shown positive associations between choline intake during pregnancy and cognitive outcomes of children.

BOOSTING CHOLINE INTAKE

So, what can parents do to ensure their infants and toddlers get enough choline? Here are a few tips:

1.Incorporate eggs: Introduce eggs into your child's diet in the first year of life (around six months of age, but not before four), as they are a rich source of choline. Scrambled eggs, pancakes, and egg puree are all great options.

2.Continue breastfeeding: Breastmilk remains a vital source of choline for infants and toddlers. If possible, continue breastfeeding to support your child's nutritional needs.

3.Balanced diet: Ensure a balanced diet that includes other choline-rich foods such as meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and some beans and nuts.

4. Prenatal and postnatal nutrition: If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, consider discussing with your healthcare provider how to meet your choline needs to support both your health and your baby’s development.

Australian Eggs aims to ensure parents understand the importance of choline and how to incorporate choline-rich foods like eggs into your children’s diets, to make a significant difference in their brain development and overall health. By bridging this nutritional gap, we can help ensure our children have the best possible start in life.

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and Flinders University are committed to advancing health and medical research to improve health outcomes for all Australians.

Note: This research underscores the need for improved dietary guidance for parents and caregivers to ensure babies receive enough choline for healthy growth and development. Further research is needed to better understand the detrimental impact of low choline levels for infants and toddlers and the full potential benefit of optimal intake.