Choline has many important functions and may improve memory. Try to make sure your child gets enough choline from dietary sources. Good sources of choline include eggs, beef, salmon, wheat germ and broccoli. If your child does not get enough choline, talk to your doctor about a nutritional supplement. You can buy choline supplements, or find choline in multivitamin/multimineral supplements.
Identification
Choline is an essential nutrient for children and adults. Choline is needed to form cell membranes and transfer lipids. It's needed to produce acetylcholine, which is important for nerve impulses involved in muscle control and memory. Choline also helps the body transfer fat and cholesterol from the liver to body tissues. Choline deficiency may result in fat accumulation, causing liver damage.
Memory
Getting enough choline during early development may be important for memory function. According to a 1999 study cited by Science Daily, pregnant rats who received extra choline gave birth to offspring who showed improved memory capabilities, leading some researchers to suggest pregnant women should make sure to get enough choline as well. It may also be especially important for children under age 3 to get enough choline, because this period is a time of rapid brain formation.
Recommendations
The Institute of Medicine has not set an RDA, or recommended dietary allowance, for choline, because of insufficient research, but the institute does recommend an Adequate Intake level. Infants up to 6 months require 125 mg per day. Infants from 6 months to 12 months require 150 mg per day. Children ages 1 to 3 need 200 mg per day. Children ages 4 to 8 need 250 mg per day. Children ages 9 to 13 need 375 mg per day. Adolescent boys ages 14 to 18 need 550 mg per day, while adolescent girls need 400 mg per day.
Warning
Do not allow your child to consume more than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for choline. Children ages 1 to 8 should not have more than 1 g per day. Children ages 9 to 13 should not exceed 2 g per day. Children ages 14 to 18 should not have more than 3 g per day. Exceeding the recommendations can cause fishy body odor or low blood pressure.
Member Comments