Choline: What You Need to Know
Certain nutrients are essential to the health and well-being of your growing child. Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to choline.
Choline is an important nutrient similar to the B vitamins and often grouped with them as part of the vitamin B complex. Because the body may not produce enough choline on its own, it’s important to consume choline-rich foods.
How it helps
Choline helps brain cells function, and it is important for overall brain development and activity. The nutrient is also important for cell membrane structure. In the womb, babies obtain choline from their mothers, allowing for healthy development before birth.
Where it’s found
Choline is especially high in milk, liver, eggs, and peanuts. It’s also found in poultry, fish, and grains. Breast milk supplies choline; infant formula also has it.
How much is needed
| Age | Amount/day |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 125 mg |
| 7-12 months | 150 mg |
| 1-3 years | 200 mg |
| 4-5 years | 250 mg |
What else to know
Like folic acid, choline may be important for neural tube development that occurs early on in a pregnancy. Vegans who consume no milk or eggs may be at risk for choline deficiency, because it comes mainly from animal products.
