A new clinical study has demonstrated that choline can influence brain network efficiency in post-menopausal women — a population historically underrepresented in nutrition research.
The research, which used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients and examined the effects of Balchem's VitaCholine ingredient on working memory-related brain activation and functional connectivity.
For nutraceutical manufacturers, these findings represent an important step towards creating more personalised nutritional solutions that support women's health at every stage of life.
The study
In a pilot randomised crossover study, 20 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 65 consumed either 1650 mg of choline (VitaCholine) or a placebo before performing an N-back test during an fMRI scan.
The results showed that choline intake significantly enhanced functional connectivity within the working memory network, improving brain efficiency within three hours of consumption.
"Estrogen is a key driver of choline production in the body, so when levels of the hormone drop during menopause, women are at increased risk of choline deficiency," said lead author of the study, Professor Julie A. Dumas, of the University of Vermont.
This is important because choline is needed to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in cognitive functions such as mood, memory and attention.
"Previous choline research has commonly relied on self-reported scores or assessments from participants, but what makes this study unique is that it utilised functional MRI scans and working memory exercises to capture an objective view of how brain networks respond to choline intake after menopause, gaining valuable insights into how targeted supplementation may support a pivotal moment of women's life."
Balchem states that this study highlights the benefits of choline across different life stages, with previous research showing that choline supports fetal brain development during pregnancy and lactation, with lasting effects beyond birth.
It also suggests that choline may enhance cognitive health in older adults. This new study specifically examines choline's impact on postmenopausal women, contributing to personalised nutritional solutions for women's health.
"Investing in women's health research is something we feel very strongly about at Balchem," added Dr Eric Ciappio, Senior Manager, Nutrition Science, Balchem HNH.
"In the past, so much of nutrition science was largely shaped by male-centric studies and the assumption that these findings were also applicable to women's health."
This study is part of an essential shift towards a greater understanding of women's specific nutritional needs and how we as an industry can better support them at every stage of life.
"VitaCholine is our premium, high-quality choline ingredient with a robust clinical track record and it continues to be at the heart of pioneering research. We're excited about these preliminary results and are already building on them with further research underway."