Umbilical choline and related methylamines betaine and dimethylglycine in relation to birth weight.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for the newborn and risk of chronic disease in adulthood. Choline plays an essential role in the integrity of cell membranes, methylation reactions, and memory development. We examined whether choline, betaine, and dimethylglycine (DMG) concentrations were associated with LBW in Dutch women. METHODS: Blood was sampled from umbilical cords (UCs) at delivery in singleton pregnancies (n = 1,126). Maternal blood was sampled at 30-34 wk of gestational age (GA) (n = 366). We calculated birth weights standardized for GA and defined LBW as standardized birth weight ≤ 2,500 g. RESULTS: Maternal concentrations were lower as compared with UC concentrations and were not associated with birth weight. UC choline and betaine were inversely associated with birth weight (ß = -60 (-89, -31) and ß = -65 (-94, -36), respectively), whereas UC DMG was positively associated with birth weight (ß = 35 (6.1, 63)). Odds ratios for LBW were 4.12 (1.15, 14.78), 5.68 (1.24, 25.91), and 0.48 (0.09, 2.65) for the highest UC choline, betaine, and DMG quartiles, respectively, as compared with the lowest quartiles. CONCLUSION: We observed an increased risk of LBW with increased umbilical choline and betaine in venous UC blood. These results might reflect a change in choline consumption or metabolism or a disturbed placental function.