#443: Kevin Klatt, PhD, RD – Can Choline Help Improve DHA Status?

Introduction

A recently published study by Klatt and colleagues examined the impact of choline supplementation alongside DHA supplementation, versus DHA supplementation alone, on DHA status in pregnancy.

It is known that DHA is a critical nutrient at this time for healthy development of the child. And through a number of mechanisms discussed later, it has been hypothesized that choline could lead to greater DHA status.

Guest Information

Kevin C. Klatt, PhD, RD

Kevin Klatt, PhD is a nutrition researcher and registered dietitian. Dr. Klatt completed his doctoral work in nutrition at Cornell University and his dietetic training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), before spending time as a researcher at the Baylor College of Medicine. He is currently based at UC Berkeley, California.

He has expertise in lipids, 1-carbon metabolism, nuclear receptors and nutrient roles in pregnancy. In addition to his research, Dr. Klatt is also the Young Career Editor at the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN).

Overview

• Dr. Klatt’s background
• Introduction to choline, its roles in metabolism and one-carbon metabolism
• What is the connection between choline and DHA? What is the PEMT pathway?
• Study design for the choline + DHA trial
• Are there risks of high-dose choline?
• Main findings of the trial
• How DHA status is not just a function of DHA intake, but also methyl metabolism too
• Issues with omega-3 trials; e.g. not taking baseline status into account
• Pragmatic recommendations for health professionals and patients
• Different forms of choline supplements
• Choline supplementation vs. food-derived choline

Related Resources

• The study discussed: Klatt et al., Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 May 16;nqac147
• Twitter: @KCKlatt
• Instagram: @kcklatt
• AJCN Podcast: AJCN In Press

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Detailed Study Notes

Transcript