Projected choline use and dietary intake during pregnancy in Australia

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Created On: 19/02/2024

This randomized trial evaluated the choline dietary intake during pregnancy, compared it against the recommended levels, and analyzed the sources of choline in the diets of expectant women in Australia.

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Key take away

About 50–70% of pregnant women had choline intake below NHMRC and EFSA recommendations in both early and late pregnancy (average intake: 401 mg/day).

Background

Method

One hundred and three pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Pregnant women [early pregnancy (12−16 weeks) and late pregnancy (36 weeks)] were requested to fill out the food frequency questionnaire. This questionnaire helped to estimate the last month's dietary intake.

Result

Choline consumption and sources presented consistency between early and late pregnancy stages. The choline intake during early pregnancy stood at 362 mg/day on average. The percentage of women exceeding the recommended choline consumption guidelines during pregnancy as per the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are as under (Table 1):

Key contributors to choline intake included nuts, eggs, red meat, legumes, and milk products, which amounted to 50%. Out of these, eggs were the predominant source (17%).

Conclusion

A limited number of expectant mothers in the investigation adhered to the adequate intake levels advocated by both the NHMRC and EFSA. There appears to be room for enhancement in choline intake during pregnancy in Australia, emphasizing the necessity for additional research to precisely establish the choline requirements for pregnant women.