Maternal Plasma Choline Levels Are Positively Correlated with Maternal and Placental Phospholipid-DHA Content in Females with Obesity Who Receive DHA Supplementation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity are characterized by metabolic differences affecting placental nutrient transport and fetal development. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is critical for fetal brain development and is primarily incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC). Recent evidence suggests that choline may enhance PC-DHA synthesis; however, data on the impact of maternal plasma choline on placental phospholipid DHA content in females with obesity are limited.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a DHA supplementation trial (800 mg/d) in 38 pregnant females with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²). Blood samples at 36 wk gestation and term placentas were analyzed for phospholipids using mass spectrometry. Choline transporter-like (CTL)

SUBMITTER: Francis EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11934244 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature