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Top 8 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated June 5, 2024

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Choline is a nutrient that is crucial for brain development and general well-being and is particularly vital during pregnancy. Even though it is available in foods like eggs, meat, and fish, many women do not get enough choline during pregnancy because the body cannot synthesize enough of it on its own. This is where choline supplements come in.

Choline supplements come in different forms such as capsules, tablets and powders. Unfortunately, not all choline supplements are the same, and it is crucial to select the most appropriate one in order to obtain the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Top 3 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy

  1. Ritual Natal Choline
  2. Nested Naturals Choline Supplement
  3. Vital Nutrients - Choline - Neurological Development and Health

We know that pregnancy is a significant part of a woman’s life, and it is crucial to pay much attention to the nutrition since it affects both the mother and the unborn child. That is why we have come up with a list of the top choline supplements for pregnancy to help you choose the right product and reap the benefits of adequate choline intake during pregnancy. The products listed below have been chosen with great care, taking into consideration the efficiency, quality, and lack of side effects.

Ritual Natal Choline

Editor's Choice

Ritual Natal Choline excels in providing premium choline for fetal brain development in expectant mothers. Its gentle formulation ensures a stomach-friendly experience. While the higher price and accessibility challenges may deter some, consistent use unlocks comprehensive support. For mothers seeking top-notch prenatal care, Ritual Natal Choline is a worthy choice, drawbacks notwithstanding.

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If you are a prenatal mother hunting for a prenatal supplement, Ritual Natal Choline proves to be a reasonable choice. It has clinically backed form and is meant to be taken during pregnancy so the baby can have better cognition from infancy to early childhood.

Pros

  • Clinically Studied Choline: Uses the same dose and form of Choline included in university-led clinical research shown to improve cognitive benefits in infancy and early childhood.
  • High Potency: High potency Choline as Choline Chloride sourced from Missouri, USA.
  • Vegan, no artificial colorants, non-GMO Project Verified, Third Party tested for heavy metals and microbes.

Cons

  • Higher Price Point: Some individuals may find the cost of Ritual Natal Choline to be on the higher side compared to other supplements.
  • Limited Availability in Local Stores: Depending on your location, accessibility to Ritual Natal Choline may be restricted to online purchase, potentially causing inconvenience for those who prefer in-store shopping.
  • Requires Consistent Use for Optimal Results: While the benefits are substantial, clinical study results were based on daily use during pregnancy..

The most striking feature of Ritual Natal Choline is in the fact that it is a company dedicated to delivering the best choline supplement to expecting mothers. This is particularly relevant since choline is an important nutrient in the fetus’s brain development. Recent university led clinical studies illustrating that supplementary intake of 550 mg of Choline per day during pregnancy lead to cognitive advantage in infancy and early childhood, the same form and dosage of Choline is present in Ritual’s Natal Choline.

However, high asking price might prove to be a negative attribute particularly to the economically sensitive individuals. Also, there are some barriers, such as accessibility that may be reluctant to those who like buying their products from local stores. It is, however, essential to understand that it brings the best results when used regularly and constantly.

In conclusion, if you are an expectant mother intending to take a prenatal supplement, incorporating Choline supplement such as Ritual’s Natal Choline should be on your list.

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For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who would like to improve their nervous system, liver and brain, we highly recommend the Nested Naturals Choline supplement.

Pros

  • Supports brain and nervous system
  • 500mg of choline for pregnant & breastfeeding mothers
  • Socially conscious supplements

Cons

  • Pungent smell
  • May cause digestive discomfort
  • May not be effective for everyone

We appreciate that this supplement comes with 500mg of L+ Choline Bitartrate, which is very important in the diet of pregnant or breastfeeding women. When taken according to the recommended dosage, it aids in achieving and maintaining the normal prenatal development and growth and can be taken during breastfeeding to maintain your baby’s health. We also note that Nested Naturals is a socially aware supplement company, its products are 100% vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, allergen-free. And they have a lifetime warranty, so it’s safe to give their products a try.

However, there are complaints about a rather intense smell, and some people experienced consequences like digestive problems when using this supplement. Finally, supplementing with choline may not work for everyone, and that is why one should seek medical advice before incorporating choline supplements into their diets.

In conclusion, we think that Nested Naturals Choline is an excellent choice for pregnant and breastfeeding women who want to improve their health.

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Choline capsules from Vital Nutrients are the best choline supplement for pregnancy to buy if you are in search of quality.

Pros

  • Supports normal pregnancy & brain development, providing lasting benefits
  • Helps brain & nervous system functions, including memory, mindset & muscle control
  • Promotes normal lipid transport & metabolism to support liver health

Cons

  • May cause headaches in some individuals
  • Capsules may be difficult to swallow for some people
  • Some users may not notice a significant improvement in cognitive function

I’ve been taking the Choline capsules from Vital Nutrients for about a few weeks now and I have realized that there are significant improvements in my cognitive abilities. The capsules are convenient for using and they do not have any bitter or bad aftertaste.

This supplement can especially help to maintain normal pregnancy and also proper development of the brain. This is an important factor for me as I am pregnant and will be using choline supplement in my diet. Furthermore, the supplement also influences the brain and nerve functions such as memory, mindset and muscle co-ordination.

A further advantage of using Choline capsules from Vital Nutrients is that it aids normal lipid transport and metabolism to help maintain healthy functioning of the liver. This is an added bonus for those especially who are interested in enhancing their liver performance.

I have not registered any side effects resulting from this supplement but some of the users have been known to suffer from headaches after taking this supplement. However, it should be noted that some people may have problems with swallowing the capsules themselves. It is also important to note that many of the users may not necessarily experience a marked improvement in cognitive performance.

In conclusion, we endorse the Vital Nutrients’ Choline capsules as a reliable and pure source of choline for pregnant women.

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All in all, the best choline supplement in the market that we can recommend for expecting mothers is the PURE SYNERGY Choline Complex.

Pros

  • Made with organic vegetables and sprouts, and fermented so it’s absorbed just like food
  • Promotes a healthy brain & nervous system
  • Provides essential support for healthy prenatal brain development

Cons

  • Tablets can be sticky and clump together in the bottle
  • Slight smell of greens
  • May cause nausea in some individuals

We were particularly delighted by the incorporation of organic components into the formation of the PURE SYNERGY Choline Complex that in addition to that is Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Vegan. Through the process of fermentation, it becomes easier for the body to absorb the choline, thus enhancing its functionality. After using this supplement daily, we observed enhancement of our brain performance & general health.

One disadvantage felt was that the tablets were put tightly in the bottle and it was not easy to pull out a single one. However, their taste and smell are a little like the smell of fresh greens, which is not very pleasant to many people. A few users complained that they had Nausea while using these tablets.

In conclusion, we would recommend the PURE SYNERGY Choline Complex as a good supplement for pregnant women in search of a quality choline source. It contributes to the brain development in the first trimester of pregnancy and ensures proper functioning of the brain as well as the nervous system.

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If you are interested in taking a vegan prenatal supplement that will ensure your baby gets the EFAs and other nutrients necessary for building his or her brain and eyes, MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal DHA & Choline could be the one for you.

Pros

  • Doctor-formulated with 250 mg of plant-based DHA from algae and 200 mg of choline to support baby's brain development
  • Innovative beadlet technology provides slow-release choline beadlets in a vegetable capsule to deliver nutrients over a sustained period of time
  • Suitable for vegan diets and tested for over 125 chemical substances

Cons

  • Some users report an unpleasant smell and taste
  • Does not contain the daily recommended amount of DHA or choline
  • Capsules may stick together and leak

MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal DHA & Choline is one of the best-tasting prenatal supplements that we personally took while being pregnant and did not have any difficulty in swallowing it. The inclusion of the citrus scent pak in every bottle is a bonus but the smell and taste of the capsules is a little repulsive to some consumers. However, what is more appealing is the new beadlet technology that ensures that nutrients are released in the body throughout the day.

Although the supplement is not packed with the daily recommended dosage of DHA or choline, this prenatal supplement is formulated by a doctor to deliver the essential fatty acids and nutrients required for fetal brain and eye health. Also, the supplement is a vegan product, free from genetically modified organisms, and was screened for over 125 chemical compounds.

In summary, if you are searching for a vegan prenatal supplement that contains DHA and various nutrients that are vital for the development of the baby’s brain and eyes, MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal DHA & Choline should be taken into consideration.

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If you are in a search of a prenatal vitamin formula for easy swallowing and with an improved taste, Seedlyfe Prenatal Vitamin Powder with Electrolytes can be a good option for you.

Pros

  • The lemonade flavor makes it easy to drink and adds some flavor to your water.
  • Contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals, plus 5 natural electrolytes, that will help support all the stages of pregnancy, especially the crucial 1st trimester.
  • Helps prevent dehydration and relieve morning sickness and heartburn.

Cons

  • Some users find the taste to be unpleasant and recommend adding a flavor enhancer.
  • The price point is higher than some other prenatal vitamins on the market.
  • The texture can be gritty and difficult to mix completely.

We have been using the Seedlyfe Prenatal Vitamin Powder with Electrolytes for a few weeks now and have observed an enhanced energy level in our body. Its lemonade flavor increases its palatability and the fact that it has natural electrolytes that can prevent the effects of dehydration is a plus. It also has folate as well as other vitamins and minerals that ensure the wellbeing of the baby while still in the womb.

As for the taste, we did experience some bitterness but learned that putting some flavor booster makes the food taste better. While this prenatal vitamin is a bit more expensive than some other prenatal vitamins out there, we do believe that the quality of the vitamins and minerals used in its formulation makes it well worth it. The texture is grainy and can be challenging to integrate with other ingredients; nevertheless, blending it in a blender bottle resulted in a better consistency.

In sum, we would recommend this Seedlyfe Prenatal Vitamin Powder with Electrolytes to anyone who would like to take prenatal vitamins that are delicious, easy to drink and well-packed with all natural ingredients.

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Pink Stork Total Prenatal with DHA is a reliable prenatal vitamin that can fulfill your nutritional needs and the needs of your little one in the womb.

Pros

  • Contains 100% of 16 OBGYN-recommended nutrients and vitamins for pregnancy
  • Includes methylated Folate, Choline, Iron, Vitamin B6, methylated Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Biotin, Zinc, and omega-3 DHA
  • Free from GMOs, gluten, soy, or dairy

Cons

  • May have a strong smell
  • May cause nausea in some women
  • Some variations in color and smell between bottles

Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamins has been incorporated into our daily regime for a month now, and it has not let us down. These small fish gel capsules are easy to ingest and it is noted that they do not contain GMOs, gluten, soy or dairy. There are no negative consequences as far as we are concerned, and we believe the baby is on the right track of receiving important nutrients in their diet.

Another unique feature of Pink Stork Total Prenatal with DHA is that it has the 16 OBGYN-recommended nutrients and vitamins that pregnant women should take including methylated Folate, Choline, Iron, Vitamin B6, methylated Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Biotin, Zinc, and omega-3 DHA. We appreciate the fact that this supplement has all-rounded nutritional values without the need to pop multiple pills for us to be nourished.

Nonetheless, we observed that the vitamins have a rather unpleasant smell, which would not be palatable for most of the women. Also, it is suggested that some women may feel nauseous while taking these vitamins. Last but not least, it is possible to find some distinctions in color shade and smell within the bottles, something that should be considered.

In conclusion, Pink Stork Total Prenatal with DHA is a prenatal vitamin that we would recommend for any pregnant woman because of its effectiveness in meeting nutritional needs for both the woman and the baby.

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GreenPeach Liquid Prenatal Vitamins with Iron is an all-natural and organic prenatal supplement that also does not cause any stomach issues.

Pros

  • The liquid formula is easy to digest and absorb quickly.
  • The non-constipating iron is gentle on your stomach.
  • The formula is free from chemicals, sugar, and artificial flavors.

Cons

  • The taste may not be appealing to everyone.
  • The packaging could be improved for easier use.
  • The price point may be higher than some other prenatal supplements.

That GreenPeach Liquid Prenatal Vitamins with Iron is formulated from natural whole food extracts and contains all the necessary nutrients needed during pregnancy warms our hearts. They contain Vitamin C, A, D, E, B1, B3, B6 &B12, Biotin, Calcium, Choline, Chromium, Folic acid, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Riboflavin, Selenium, Trace elements, Zinc, and Selenium.

It comes in the form of a liquid solution that can be easily blended with the juice or any smoothie, which is much better than swallowing prenatal tablets. We also like it because the formula is chemical free and does not contain sugar or any artificial flavors.

However, it has a rather ‘powdery’ taste that may not go down well for some people and it is not packed in a convenient manner for use. Also, the price range may be higher than some other prenatal supplement products available on the market.

In conclusion, if you are interested in taking natural and organic prenatal supplement that doesn’t upset your stomach, then GreenPeach Liquid Prenatal Vitamins with Iron is a product you might want to try.

Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the most suitable choline supplement for use during pregnancy, there are a number of crucial things that should be considered. For this purpose we have created the buying guide below to enable you to make the right decision on your purchase.

Choline Forms

Choline exists in several forms such as choline bitartrate, choline citrate, alpha-GPC. All the forms discussed above have their own advantages and limitations. For instance, choline bitartrate is the least expensive but its absorption rate is lower compared to other supplements. Alpha-GPC boasts of even higher bioavailability but is relatively expensive compared to the aforementioned choline source. It is essential to consider your budget and self-requirements when considering a specific choline form.

Dosage

The daily requirement of choline for a pregnant woman is set at 450 mg. Although, for some women they will need to take a higher amount of the product depending on their needs. This means that you should consult your doctor in order to determine the right doses of the supplement for you.

Quality

When selecting the choline supplement, users should opt for reputable brands that supply high quality supplement. Ideally, find supplements that have been subjected to third-party verification regarding their purity and strength. Also, get to know whether the label contains any extra ingredients or additives which may be dangerous for your baby.

Convenience

Think about how you like to consume your supplements. The choline supplements come in different forms like capsules, tablets and powder. It is therefore important that you choose a form that you are comfortable to take every day.

Price

There are many choline supplements on the market, some of which are expensive compared to others. However, keep in mind that a higher price doesn't always mean better quality. Think of your budget and look for supplements that provide great value for the amount of money that is spent on them.

To sum up, it is critical to analyze the type of choline, dosage, quality, convenience, and the cost of the choline supplement for pregnancy. With these factors in mind, it is possible to choose a supplement that would be right for you and help to maintain pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of taking too much choline during pregnancy?

Intake of excess amount of choline during pregnancy can result in some side effects like low blood pressure, sweating, and stomach upsets. Furthermore, consumption of large amounts of choline can also pose risks such as birth defects to the fetus.

What is the recommended daily intake of choline for pregnant women?

Expectant mothers should consume 450 milligrams of choline every day according to the Food and Nutrition Board. But according to certain researches, it has been proposed that the adequate level of consumption can be as much as 930 milligrams per day.

What are the benefits of taking a choline supplement during pregnancy?

Choline is very important for the growth of the fetal brain and it also plays a role in preventing birth defects such as neural tube defects. Moreover, adequate intake of choline can benefit maternal liver health as well as prevent preeclampsia.

What is the most effective form of choline supplement for pregnant women?

The probably best source of choline during pregnancy is phosphatidylcholine which is found in foods like eggs and soya products. However, there are other derivatives such as choline bitartrate and citicoline which is equally effective.

When is the best time to take a choline supplement during pregnancy?

A choline supplement should be taken routinely during the second and third trimester of the pregnancy as advised. Despite this, it is advisable to seek medical advice regarding the correct time to take the supplement and the right dosage in pregnancy.

Are there any concerns about taking choline supplements while pregnant?

Even though it is safe to take choline supplements while pregnant, you should first discuss it with a doctor before introducing such supplements. Furthermore, some people may suffer from various side effects such as stomach upsets, or low blood pressure.

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Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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