Choline Deficiency During Pregnancy Linked to Autism
AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB) April 23, 2018 -- A study done at Boston University School of Medicine studied the effects of perinatal choline supplementation on social behavior, anxiety and repetitive behaviors in autistic animal models.
The results show that choline significantly reduces the frequency of repetitive behaviors displayed by the offspring and that supplementation also reduced anxiety in the mice.
Choline had no effect on physical movement or energy levels but it did significantly increase the amount of time that the “autistic mice” spent in social interaction. The effects were still present 91 days after birth, showing that the benefits of prenatal supplementation can exist even after dietary choline intake is reduced.
“We know that choline is critical for brain development during pregnancy and 90% of Americans are deficient. Moms want to do what is best for their children, but right now, 9 out of 10 women just don’t know how important this nutrient is for their baby’s developing brain,” says BestCholine creator, Sarah Kline.
Choline has been proven to influence learning ability throughout life. Studies conducted by University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Cornell University both show that the amount of choline consumed during pregnancy affects learning ability through life.
Recently the American Medical Association echoed this statement and published an announcement encouraging all doctors to educate their patients about the benefits of choline and how this essential nutrient develops the brain during pregnancy.
Numerous studies have proven that prenatal supplementation affects brain size, function and overall learning ability throughout life. Increased choline consumption correlates with increased IQ. Choline is an essential nutrient needed to develop the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for memory and emotional regulation.
Perinatal choline supplementation increases white and grey matter and ensures proper development of the hippocampus. MRI imaging has proven that the hippocampus in children with autism is under developed or abnormally shaped. The link between choline and autism continues to be researched.
The results of this study done by Boston University suggests that the availability of choline during early development can reduce or prevent deficits in social behavior and anxiety. This discovery may help to develop a novel strategy for the treatment of prevention of autism spectrum disorders.
BestCholine is the creator of high-absorption choline capsules and the first choline gummies for children and adults. Sarah Kline, creator of BestCholine is passionately dedicated to choline awareness and education.
Sarah Kline, BestCholine, http://www.bestcholine.com, +1 512-337-1159, [email protected]
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