Most legitimate studies today list the limitations of the study in the description. Researchers will note that the size of the study is important; that correlation doesn't prove causation; that co-factors must be eliminated; and that a placebo-controlled study is superior to an observational study. Fair enough. But sometimes the favorable research—from all types of studies—builds to such a degree on a particular nutrient that it would be difficult for anyone to argue that the nutrient has not been proven to be beneficial. One such nutrient is choline—a compound found naturally in foods like eggs, soybeans and fish, and gaining popularity as a supplement for cognitive health. A new study has found that four-year-olds whose mothers supplemented choline during pregnancy scored about eight points higher on IQ testing than children whose mothers took a placebo. It sounds almost too good to be true; however, when paired up to all the existing research, it is simply confirmation of what is already known. In fact, a study from Arizona State University, published just five months earlier, found choline deficiency is widespread and putting brain health at risk. And perhaps the most profound study, conducted during the height of the Covid pandemic, revealed that pregnant women who took choline supplements provided protection for the fetus's developing brain—even if the mother contracted Covid. So, harnessing a nutrient that is potent enough that it can actually help develop a higher IQ in young children is not out of the realm of possibility. Study background Researchers recruited 211 pregnant women who were seen at University of Colorado-affiliated clinics between 2017 and 2021. All the women were 12 to 15 weeks pregnant at enrollment and carried a single healthy fetus confirmed by ultrasound. Researchers randomly assigned the women at 16 weeks of pregnancy to take either a phosphatidylcholine supplement or a placebo. Phosphatidylcholine is a precursor to choline; enzymes in the digestive tract and tissues break it down, releasing free choline for metabolic use. All participants in the study, regardless of group, also received standard prenatal vitamins and advice to eat more choline-rich foods. Supplementing then continued through delivery. Soon after birth, researchers measured a brain-wave response that shows how well a newborn’s brain tunes out repeated sounds. This type of testing provides scientists with insight into a newborn's early brain wiring. From 18 months to four years of age, parents completed a standard behavior checklist, rating behaviors such as withdrawal from others, poor eye contact, and inattentiveness. At ages three and four, all the children still participating were also given a widely used preschool intelligence test. Results The results of cognitive testing demonstrated significant difference between the two groups, further confirming choline's great potential. Four-year-olds whose mothers took the choline supplement averaged an IQ score of 106, compared to about 98 for children in the placebo group. Twelve children scored above the 90th percentile on IQ testing, and ten of those twelve came from the choline group. Meanwhile, six children who scored below the 10th percentile at both ages 3 and 4 came from mothers who took the placebo. Additionally, children of mothers who took the choline precursor were far less likely to show multiple or lasting withdrawal problems. Within that group, a smaller analysis found that 10 out of 71 children born to placebo mothers showed language difficulties and behavior patterns commonly seen in autism. In comparison, just one out of 71 in the supplement group showed the negative pattern—a tenfold difference in those autism-related behavioral signs. The mechanism Interest in choline traces back to a gene called CHRNA7. Earlier and ongoing research has connected CHRNA7 to the brain development problems seen in schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder and autism patients. Choline is thought to activate receptors produced by the gene in the developing brain—helping nerve cells form connections before birth. As evidenced by the earlier studies referenced by the researchers, choline supplementation during pregnancy is not a new idea. However, like all non-pharmaceutical compounds, it is difficult to fund and recruit participants for high-quality large-scale studies. Still, the evidence is mounting and recognition of the cognitive benefits is gaining momentum. This sentiment was shared by the researchers, as noted in the study's conclusion: "Prenatal phosphatidylcholine supplements provide safe, effective support of fetal brain development. Outcomes for the children include fewer social withdrawal problems and increased cognitive test performance." The findings were published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in October 2026. Choline can be found in the neuro enhancement and mental clarity blends found in Opti-Brain and Optimal B-Awake from Optimal Health Systems. - - - Primary source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
