Abstract:
A higher maternal choline intake during the third trimester of human pregnancy may counter some of the adverse effects of maternal prenatal stress, behavioral, neuroendocrine problem and metabolic development in the offspring. One hundred and three pregnant women visited antenatal care clinic of Azimpur Maternity Hospital of Dhaka was selected for the present study. The 24 hour dietary recall method was used to find out intake pattern of choline. Mean consumption of choline was less than the recommended choline intake 193.96 ±100.5, this was 42.72% of total RDA value. The results of this study indicate that present choline status among pregnant women is not satisfactory. Curbing the deficiency epidemic among pregnant women of Bangladesh, increased education, including recommendations to consume more choline-rich foods, is needed to improve choline intakes for optimal health.