Why haven’t I ever heard of choline?
Expert Answer: Marie Caudill, PhD, RD Although the importance of choline in the prevention of fatty liver was recognized over 70 years ago, it was not until 1998 that choline was officially recognized as an essential nutrient. In 1998, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine established an Adequate Intake (AI) level of 425 and 550 mg/d for women and men respectively. Because the requirement for choline increases during pregnancy and lactation, intake levels of 450 and 550 mg/d are recommended during this time period. Based on food intake data from observational studies, a substantial number of women of childbearing age in the U.S. are not meeting the AI guidelines, and consumer research shows that almost three out of four moms are not familiar with the benefits of choline. Likewise, choline consumption appears inadequate in the majority of the U.S. population, including several groups that can benefit from it the most, such as nursing moms. Importantly, most regular a
