Moderate changes in dietary choline/betaine intake and blood indicators of status

Healthy premenopausal women (n=45, 18–46 years) with the MTHFR 677CC (n=28) or TT (n=17) genotype consumed a folate-restricted diet for 2 weeks followed by randomization to one of four dietary treatments (n=6–9/group) differing in total choline (344–486 mg/day), betaine (122–349 mg/day) and/or folate (400–800 μg dietary folate equivalents/day) content for 12 weeks.

No significant changes were detected in the measured variables (plasma levels of choline moieties (i.e., betaine, choline, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin) and/or leukocyte global DNA methylation) in response to dietary increases in choline (i.e., 41% increase) or betaine (i.e., 286% increase) intake between pretreatment (Week 2) and posttreatment (Week 14) values. However, the MTHFR C677T genotype, alone or together with a diet, influenced betaine (P=.03) and phosphatidylcholine (P=.03).

These data suggest that choline/betaine status is not a reliable indicator of moderate changes in dietary choline/betaine intake possibly due to the engagement of compensatory mechanisms. In addition, the MTHFR C677T genotype appears to influence the direction and use of choline moieties in this group of women.

Abratte et al (2009). "Choline status is not a reliable indicator of moderate changes in dietary choline consumption in premenopausal women." J Nutr Biochem 20(1): 62-9.