Prenatal Choline Supplementation Modifies Brain Development: Improved Cognition and Neuroprotection

Abstract

The known effects of alterations in dietary choline availability during early development are described in this review. A growing body of research supports the view that mothers are vulnerable to choline deficiency during pregnancy and lactation and that supplementation with choline can have long-lasting effects on the brain and behavioral development of their offspring. Although modest effects of choline on cognitive processes have been reported when choline is administered to adult animals, we have found that the perinatal period is a critical time for cholinergic organization of brain function. Choline supplementation during this period increases memory capacity and precision of the young adult and appears to prevent age-related memory and attentional decline. Choline supplementation also provides neuroprotection against neural assaults, both natural (e.g., aging) and pharmacologically induced. Deprivation of choline during early development leads to compromised cognitive function and increased decline with age. Several mechanisms of choline action are proposed.