Choline During Pregnancy Reduces Down Syndrome Effects

ITHACA, N.Y.Increased dietary intake of choline, a nutrient found naturally in eggs, meat, beans and cruciferous vegetables, during pregnancy and nursing bolsters brain functions and plays a profound health role for Down syndrome offspring throughout their lives, according to a study in the journal Neurobiology of Disease.

Researchers at Cornell University who conducted the study found  increased maternal choline intake improves spatial cognition and attention, and delays aging-related memory decline in normal laboratory rats. The present findings with Down syndrome mice indicate that increased maternal choline consumption may also lessen the impairment of individuals with Down syndrome and reduce the risk of Alzheimers disease, which is seen in nearly all Down syndrome individuals.

While older pregnant women are generally tested for a Down syndrome fetus, younger women are not since the risk is low. However, development of all fetusesDown syndrome or notwould benefit from choline supplements during pregnancy as it has also been linked to lower risk of infants vulnerability to stress-related illnesses, such as mental health disturbances, and chronic conditions like hypertension.

 Mounting evidence suggests that many women may not be consuming enough choline during pregnancy to promote optimal brain development and cognitive functioning of their babiesboth normal and Down syndrome," said Barbara Strupp, Cornell professor of nutritional sciences and of psychology and the studys senior author. "Increasing choline intake during pregnancy is sound nutritional advice for all women and may offer an even more pronounced benefit for Down syndrome offspring."

Demand for choline goes up dramatically during pregnancy, she explained. Choline is an essential nutrient for all individuals, but pregnant women have an even greater need due to the demands of the developing fetus. The most concentrated sources of choline are foods, such as eggs and meats, but choline is found in many other foods, including vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, Strupp said.

Increased choline intake by moms and its effect on Down syndrome in terms of behavior was discussed in different study conducted at Cornell University, which showed improved impulsivity, attention span and emotional control in offspring.