Sex and menopausal status influence human dietary requirements for the nutrient choline.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although humans require dietary choline for methyl donation, membrane function, and neurotransmission, choline can also be derived from the de novo synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, which is up-regulated by estrogen. A recommended Adequate Intake (AI) exists for choline; however, an Estimated Average Requirement has not been set because of a lack of sufficient human data.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the dietary requirements for choline in healthy men and women and to investigate the clinical sequelae of choline deficiency.

Design

Fifty-seven adult subjects (26 men, 16 premenopausal women, 15 postmenopausal women) were fed a diet containing 550 mg choline x 70 kg(-1) x d(-1) for 10 d followed by <50 mg choline x 70 kg(-1) x d(-1) wit

SUBMITTER: Fischer LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2435503 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature