Free and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations in serum during pregnancy, after delivery and in newborns

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine whether serum free choline and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations change during the pregnancy or after childbirth and to determine if the serum choline concentrations of the mother and newborn are correlated. Serum free and bound choline concentrations were 10.7 ± 0.5μM and 2780 ± 95μM in control, non-pregnant women, and rose significantly (p < 0.001) to 14.5 ± 0.6μM and 3370 ± 50μM or to 16.5 ± 0.7μM and 3520 ± 150μM after 16-20 weeks or 36-40 weeks of pregnancy, respectively. Serum free and phospholipid-bound choline fell by 14-22% (p < 0.05-01) after either vaginal delivery or caesarian section, and remained low (by 15-42%; p < 0.05-0.001) for 12 h and then rose toward the baseline within 24 h. In amniotic fluid, free choline and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations were 22.8 ± 1.0 and 19.6 ± 0.8μM or 24.0 ± 1.5 and 516 ± 43μM at 16-20 weeks of gestational age or at term, respectively. In newborns, serum free choline concentrations were higher (p < 0.001) and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations were lower (p < 0.001) than in their mothers. These results show that serum free choline and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations are elevated during the pregnancy, which may be required for an adequate maternal supply of choline to the fetus. These observations are clinically important to determine the ideal dietary intake of choline during the pregnancy.