Dietary choline intake in European and non-european populations: current status and future trends—a narrative review
Type
Journal article
Language
English
Date issued
2024
Author
Faculty
Wydział Nauk o Żywności i Żywieniu
Journal
Nutrition Journal
Volume
23
Pages from-to
art. 68
Abstract (EN)
Background: Choline is a nutrient necessary for the proper functioning of the body with a multidimensional impact
on human health. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the dietary intake of choline are limited. The aim of
this narrative review is to analyze current trends in choline intake in European and non-European populations. The
secondary aim was to discuss possible future choline trends.
Methods: The search strategy involved a systematic approach to identifying relevant literature that met specific
inclusion criteria. Observational studies and randomized clinical trials were searched for in PubMed and Scopus
databases from January 2016 to April 2024. This review includes the characteristics of study groups, sample sizes,
methods used to assess choline intake and time period, databases used to determine intake, choline intakes, and the
main sources of choline in the diet. The review considered all population groups for which information on choline
intake was collected.
Results: In most studies performed in Europe after 2015 choline intake did not exceed 80% of the AI standard value.
The mean choline intake for adults in different European countries were 310 mg/day, while the highest value was
reported for Polish men at 519 mg/day. In non-European countries, mean choline intakes were 293 mg/day and
above. The main reported sources of choline in the diet are products of animal origin, mainly eggs and meat. The
available data describing the potential intake of these products in the EU in the future predict an increase in egg
intake by another 8% compared to 2008–2019 and a decrease in meat intake by about 2 kg per capita from 2018 to
2030.
Conclusions: In the last decade, choline intake among adults has been insufficient, both in Europe and outside it.
In each population group, including pregnant women, choline intake has been lower than recommended. Future
choline intake may depend on trends in meat and egg consumption, but also on the rapidly growing market of plantbased products. However, the possible changes in the intake of the main sources of choline may lead to either no
change or a slight increase in overall choline intake.
on human health. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the dietary intake of choline are limited. The aim of
this narrative review is to analyze current trends in choline intake in European and non-European populations. The
secondary aim was to discuss possible future choline trends.
Methods: The search strategy involved a systematic approach to identifying relevant literature that met specific
inclusion criteria. Observational studies and randomized clinical trials were searched for in PubMed and Scopus
databases from January 2016 to April 2024. This review includes the characteristics of study groups, sample sizes,
methods used to assess choline intake and time period, databases used to determine intake, choline intakes, and the
main sources of choline in the diet. The review considered all population groups for which information on choline
intake was collected.
Results: In most studies performed in Europe after 2015 choline intake did not exceed 80% of the AI standard value.
The mean choline intake for adults in different European countries were 310 mg/day, while the highest value was
reported for Polish men at 519 mg/day. In non-European countries, mean choline intakes were 293 mg/day and
above. The main reported sources of choline in the diet are products of animal origin, mainly eggs and meat. The
available data describing the potential intake of these products in the EU in the future predict an increase in egg
intake by another 8% compared to 2008–2019 and a decrease in meat intake by about 2 kg per capita from 2018 to
2030.
Conclusions: In the last decade, choline intake among adults has been insufficient, both in Europe and outside it.
In each population group, including pregnant women, choline intake has been lower than recommended. Future
choline intake may depend on trends in meat and egg consumption, but also on the rapidly growing market of plantbased products. However, the possible changes in the intake of the main sources of choline may lead to either no
change or a slight increase in overall choline intake.
License
CC-BY - Attribution
CC-BY - Attribution Open access date
June 28, 2024