CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Researchers from three universities suggest U.S. women aren't getting adequate amounts of choline -- a nutrient believed to help fetal brain development.
The researchers found the average American consumes 314 milligrams of choline each day -- much less than the 425 milligrams recommended for women and 550 milligrams recommended by government health officials.
Choline is a nutrient essential for human brain development, normal memory function and fertility and is thought to be particularly important during pregnancy, according to Dr. Steven H. Zeisel of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Foods rich in choline include soy lecithin, beef liver and egg yolks, although soy lecithin delivers one of the most bioactive and natural sources of the nutrient without cholesterol or saturated fat.
"Our research suggests the typical American diet is lower in choline than recommended," said Zeisel. "When corrected for energy intake, daily choline levels were significantly below the recommended daily intake for both men and women. Although we cannot be sure from this study, Americans may not understand the importance of choline in their diets, or may not know which foods are rich in the nutrient."
