We have shown that choline supplementation of the maternal diet changes placental gene expression and affects maternal and fetal markers of stress. The utility of choline supplementation on improving placental function is currently being investigated.
impact statement issue
Nutrient intake recommendations go beyond preventing deficiencies. However, very little is known about the amount of a given nutrient needed to optimize human health and prevent disease. The Caudill Lab focuses on the effects of varied intakes of choline and folate on disease antecedents and investigates the effects of pregnancy, lactation, and genetic variation on nutrient requirements. Further, the utility of choline supplementation of the maternal diet on disease prevention and enhanced cognition performance is under investigation.
impact statement response
We have conducted choline intervention studies in pregnant, non-pregnant, and lactating women and assessed effects on genomic, epigenetic, metabolic, and physiologic endpoints.
impact statement summary
The Caudill Laboratory seeks to assess the level of a nutrient (e.g., folate and choline) needed to optimize human health. Data generated from these studies will scientifically inform the development of dietary recommendations designed to optimize human health and guide decisions on the need for therapeutic nutritional interventions.
Other private funding
Industry (National Beef Checkoff and Egg Nutrition Center)
