Choline supplement in pregnancy linked to 8-point IQ-test gain in 4-year-olds
A University of Colorado randomized trial found children of mothers given high-dose phosphatidylcholine, a form of choline, in pregnancy scored about 8 points higher on an IQ-style test at age 4 and showed fewer social withdrawal behaviors. CBS News discussed the research on air.
1 / 2
The story, neutrally told
Right · 1A clinical trial from the University of Colorado reported that children of mothers who took phosphatidylcholine, a form of choline, during pregnancy had better outcomes in language, social behavior and cognitive testing. New York PostR “A new clinical trial from the University of Colorado found that children of mothers who received phosphatidylcholine supplements — a form of choline — had fewer problems with language development and social skills.” Read at New York Post ↗ Right · 1Four-year-olds whose mothers took high doses scored about 8 points higher on an IQ-style test than those whose mothers took a placebo, according to the New York Post's report. New York PostR “Four-year-olds of mothers who took high doses scored about 8 points higher on an IQ-style test than those who took a placebo” Read at New York Post ↗ Right · 1The trial is described as the largest randomized clinical trial of prenatal choline supplementation to date. It involved more than 200 pregnant women taking 9,000 milligrams of phosphatidylcholine, with the rest taking a placebo, from 16 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. Neither the women nor the researchers knew who received which until the end. New York PostR “In the largest randomized clinical trial of prenatal choline supplementation ever conducted, researchers looked at more than 200 pregnant women who took 9,000 milligrams of phosphatidylcholine.”“Neither the women nor the researchers knew who received which one until the end of the study.” Read at New York Post ↗
Right · 1Children's behavior was assessed from 18 months to 4 years, and cognitive performance was measured at ages 3 and 4. New York PostR “The children’s behavior was then assessed starting at 18 months and up to 4 years of age, with cognitive performance measured at ages 3 and 4.” Read at New York Post ↗ Right · 1By age four, 4% of children in the supplement group showed multiple or lasting social withdrawal problems, compared with 24% in the placebo group. Fewer children in the supplement group also had behavioral and language profiles often associated with autism. New York PostR “By the time the children were four, only 4% in the supplement group showed multiple or lasting social withdrawal problems, compared to 24% of children whose mothers took the placebo.”“The researchers also noted significantly fewer children in the supplement group with behavioral profiles and language difficulties often associated with autism.” Read at New York Post ↗ Right · 1There were limits: attention problems did not improve notably, and around one-third of participants dropped out before the final assessments. New York PostR “However, attention problems didn’t show any notable improvements. Meanwhile, around one-third of participants dropped out before the final assessments.” Read at New York Post ↗
Right · 1Senior author Robert Freedman said in a press release that the study adds evidence that choline in pregnancy can have lasting effects on brain development. Freedman said many mothers do not get enough choline from diet, and the study authors describe the findings as showing "safe, effective support of fetal brain development". New York PostR ““This study provides additional evidence that choline supplements during pregnancy can have lasting effects on children’s brain development,” senior author Robert Freedman said in a press release.”“Still, the study authors write that the findings show “safe, effective support of fetal brain development” from choline supplementation.” Read at New York Post ↗ Right · 1The researchers believe the dose used was somewhat higher than needed and recommend 7,200 mg of phosphatidylcholine, or 900 mg of choline itself. New York PostR “The researchers also believe the dosage in the study was a bit higher than needed, recommending 7,200 mg of phosphatidylcholine or 900 mg of choline itself, instead.” Read at New York Post ↗ Left · 1On 28 October, CBS News featured Dr. Céline Gounder on "CBS Mornings" to discuss new research suggesting a certain prenatal supplement could affect a child's IQ. CBS NewsLC “Dr. Céline Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss new research that shows a certain prenatal supplement could impact your child's IQ.” Read at CBS News ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.
Left1 outlet
- Framing
- CBS News presents the research as a explainer-style television segment, with Dr. Céline Gounder discussing whether a prenatal vitamin can affect a child's IQ.
- Emphasis
- The question of IQ impact for parents, framed through a medical expert.
- Leaves out or plays down
- The available CBS coverage gives no trial figures, dosage or limitations.
- For example
-
“Can a prenatal vitamin impact your child's IQ?” — CBS News
Centre0 outlets
No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Right1 outlet
- Framing
- The New York Post leads with the IQ and social-skills benefit, calling the supplement "surprising", and reports the trial's results in detail along with caveats.
- Emphasis
- The 8-point IQ gain, the drop in social withdrawal (4% vs 24%), and the researchers' quotes and dosage advice.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not give an independent expert view; relies on the study authors and a press release.
- Charged language
- “surprising supplement”“baby boost”
- For example
-
“A surprising supplement may give babies an IQ boost and social skills: study” — New York Post
“This supplement is certainly a baby boost.” — New York Post
What every side reports
- New research on a prenatal supplement and children's IQ has been published.
- The supplement is discussed as possibly affecting a child's IQ.
Céline Gounder person
Dr. Céline Gounder appears on CBS Mornings to discuss the new research on prenatal supplements and children's IQ; no further detail of the position is given.
“Dr. Céline Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss new research that shows a certain prenatal supplement could impact your child's IQ.” — CBS News
Prenatal nutrition topic
The New York Post says prenatal vitamins are no replacement for a balanced diet but can fill nutritional gaps, and that choline supplementation may support fetal brain development.
“While prenatal vitamins aren’t a replacement for a balanced diet for expecting mothers, they can fill potential nutritional gaps and provide additional benefits.” — New York Post
Left1 article
-
Can a prenatal vitamin impact your child's IQ?
Neutral Short TV segment listing asking whether a prenatal vitamin can affect a child's IQ, with a physician guest.
Centre0 articles
No coverage yet.
Right1 article
-
A surprising supplement may give babies an IQ boost and social skills: study
Mixed Upbeat, headline-driven account of the trial's benefits, with caveats on attention and dropouts included lower down.
- 25 Oct 17:18 First New York PostR A surprising supplement may give babies an IQ boost and social skills: study
- 28 Oct 13:25 +68h 6m CBS NewsLC Can a prenatal vitamin impact your child's IQ?
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.
Ask about this story
Loading…