Choline supplementation during pregnancy or early childhood has favorable effects on children’s brain function and neurodevelopment, including memory, attention, and visual-spatial learning.[1] Choline supplementation among children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder improves memory, nonverbal intelligence, visual-spatial skills, ADHD symptoms, executive function, and white matter microstructure.[2][3][4] These effects occur primarily when choline is supplemented before the age of 5.
Higher choline intakes have been associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular events and stroke, cognitive impairment, post-stroke depression,[5] cardiovascular disease,[6] and dementia.[7] A higher intake of choline is also associated with lower levels of cardiometabolic risk factors.[8] Interestingly, a low choline intake may impair gains in strength and lean mass in response to exercise training[9][10] and reduce cognitive function.[7]