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Infants and toddlers not eating enough choline: Study
SPONSORED: Research reveals the majority of infants and toddlers are not meeting recommendations of an essential nutrient for brain health.
A study found just 35% of infants aged 6–12 months and 23% of toddlers aged 12–24 months were meeting the recommended choline intake.
New research from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and Flinders University, commissioned by Australian Eggs, reveals Australian infants and toddlers may not be consuming enough choline, a key nutrient found in eggs required for cognitive development and brain health.
According to the study, just 35% of infants aged 6–12 months and 23% of toddlers aged 12–24 months were meeting the recommended choline intake as set by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
A total of 1140 parent caregivers and children were involved in the 2021 study and Australian Eggs had no input into the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of findings, or decision to report results.
Why is choline important?
Choline is an essential nutrient for humans as it plays a key role in healthy brain function, muscle control, nervous system, and metabolism.
Despite the important role choline plays in child development, these findings are an Australian first – prior to this study, no data existed on dietary choline intake among children in Australia.
SAHMRI researcher Dr Najma Moumin says although the body produces some choline, additional amounts must be sourced from the diet to support optimal brain development.
‘The low choline intakes revealed within our study is concerning, as the first two years of life are a critical period for growth and neurodevelopment. Low dietary choline intake may negatively impact cognitive development,’ she said.
‘Our study revealed that breastmilk is the primary resource of choline for children, providing 42% of the total intake in infants, and 14% in toddlers.
‘However, children who also consumed eggs had the highest choline intakes and were more likely to meet the NHMRC recommended intake.’
Previous studies have demonstrated the long-term benefits for children whose mothers consumed adequate choline during pregnancy. Consumption of choline is also recommended for breastfeeding women.
During pregnancy and lactation, the recommended choline intake is 440 and 550 mg per day respectively, to support both maternal and child needs.
Despite this, findings from the 2011–13 National Nutrition and Physical Survey revealed that fewer than one percent of pregnant and lactating women in Australia meet this recommendation, suggesting that maternal diets may also need improvement.
How can eggs play a part in achieving recommended choline intake?
Sharon Natoli, accredited dietitian and founder of Food & Nutrition Australia, says eggs are one of the highest sources of dietary choline for both children and adults.
‘Eggs are a significant source of choline in the Australian diet, providing more than double the amount of choline per 100 grams than any other commonly eaten food,’ she said.
‘One egg contains around 164 mg of choline. By eating two eggs per day, Australians will achieve most of their daily intake.
‘Beyond children and pregnancy, choline is beneficial for many demographics, including older Australians as eggs are nutrient-dense, delicious, versatile, and cost-effective, making them an appropriate food inclusion for any age group.’
Boosting choline intake
For patients seeking to increase their child’s choline intake, the below tips can be recommended:
- Incorporate eggs: Introduce eggs into your child’s diet in the first year of life (around six months of age, but not before four months), as they are a rich source of choline. Children can achieve all of their choline daily intake with two eggs (a serve). For adults, two eggs will meet the majority of the choline recommended daily intake.
- Balanced diet: Ensure a balanced diet that includes other choline-rich foods such as meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and some beans and nuts.
- Provide breastfeeding information: Breastmilk is a vital source of choline for infants and toddlers. GPs should provide unbiased information about feeding to facilitate discussions around breastfeeding to ensure infants’ nutritional needs are met.
For more nutrition patient resources, visit
the Australian Eggs website.
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