Dr. Donald J. McNamara, executive director of the Egg Nutrition Center, shares more facts on choline:

• Recent studies indicate that dietary intakes of choline were associated with reduced neural tube defects (NTD) risks and that NTD risk estimates were lowest for women whose diets were rich in choline, betaine and methionine.
• Another study indicates that the mean intake of choline in the population is lower than the recommended daily intake, raising concerns that many individuals are not getting sufficient sources of choline in the diet.
• Choline deficiency in pregnant women can result in elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can be toxic to fetuses when maternal levels are too high, potentially resulting in birth defects. Adequate maternal choline intake is critical for proper fetal brain development.
• Eggs are the most affordable and versatile source of dietary choline and provide more choline for fewer calories when compared to other high-choline foods. Two eggs supply about 250 milligrams of choline, or roughly half the recommended daily intake. Choline is found in the egg yolk, so pregnant women should opt for eating the entire egg.