[The influence of maternal choline supplementation on fetal brain development and the risk of psychotic symptoms].

Background: Choline is an essential micronutrient important for fetal brain development. Research suggests that maternal choline supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis in offspring.

Aim: To provide a narrative review of evidence from the literature for the possible prevention of neuropsychiatric problems such as psychosis by maternal choline supplementation.

Method: A narrative review of the literature obtained after searches in PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO.

Results: Nutritional studies indicate that most pregnant women do not receive sufficient dietary choline. This may have adverse effects on fetal brain development. A total of 8 studies were identified; 4 animal and 4 clinical studies. Beneficial effects of maternal choline supplementation were found on fetal brain development, including cognitive and psychosocial functioning of children. No evidence of (serious) side effects was found. Due to the relatively short duration and limited size of the studies, no conclusions could be drawn about the role of maternal choline supplementation in the prevention of neuropsychiatric problems such as psychosis.

Conclusion: Maternal choline supplementation and/or a choline-rich diet during pregnancy should be further investigated because of evidence of beneficial effects on infant mental functioning, low cost and few side effects. There is no evidence that maternal choline supplementation can prevent psychotic symptoms in offspring.