Increased risk of low birth weight with increased umbilical choline and betaine in venous UC blood

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 (UC) at delivery in singleton pregnancies (n=1126). Maternal blood was sampled at 30-34 weeks of gestational age (n=366). We calculated birth weights standardized for gestational age (SBW) and defined LBW as SBW </= 2500 grams.
Results: Maternal concentrations were lower compared to UC concentrations and not associated with birth weight. UC choline and betaine were inversely associated with birth weight (beta= -60 (-89, -31) and beta= -65 (-94, -36)), whereas UC DMG was positively associated with birth weight (beta= 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 quartile respectively compared to the lowest quartiles.
Conclusions: We observed an increased risk of low birth weight 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.

Hogeveen, M., et al., Umbilical choline and related methylamines betaine and dimethylglycine in relation to birth weight. Pediatr Res, 2013