Prenatal choline, cannabis, and infection, and their association with offspring development of attention and social problems through 4 years of age

• DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720005061
• Publication Date: 2021-01-25T10:54:22Z
• Authors: Sharon K. Hunter; M. Camille Hoffman; Angelo D'Alessandro; Anna Wyrwa; Kathleen Noonan; Steven H. Zeisel; Amanda J. Law; Robert Freedman
• Keywords: Choline; Child Behavior Checklist

Abstract Background Prenatal choline is a key nutrient, like folic acid and vitamin D, for fetal brain development subsequent mental function. We sought to determine whether effects of higher maternal plasma concentrations on childhood attention social problems, found in an initial clinical trial supplementation, are observed second cohort. Methods Of 183 mothers enrolled from urban safety net hospital clinic, 162 complied with gestational assessments brought their newborns study at 1 month age; 83 continued through 4 years age. Effects 16 weeks gestation ⩾7.07 μM, s.d. below the mean level obtained supplementation previous trial, were compared lower levels. The Attention Problems Withdrawn Syndrome scales Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 principal outcomes. Results Higher was associated percentiles children, male percentiles. also reduced children who used cannabis during as well had infection. Conclusions choline's positive associations early behaviors second, more diverse Increases problems withdrawal later illnesses including deficit disorder schizophrenia. Choline pregnant women this replicate other research findings suggesting that most do not have adequate diets.