Maternal Dietary Intake of Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Choline During Pregnancy and Lactation Alters DNA Methylation in Offspring

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation plays an important role in the neurodevelopment of offspring. One-carbon (1C) metabolism includes B-vitamins such as folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12, and the nutrient choline. Adequate dietary intake of B-vitamins and choline by women prior to getting pregnant and during pregnancy is essential for the neurodevelopment of the infant. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current findings on maternal diet intake of B-vitamins and choline and how their intake impacts DNA methylation levels in offspring. From our analysis of clinical and preclinical research, the evidence indicates that maternal intake of 1C nutrients during pregnancy is associated with DNA methylation in offspring during early life; however, it remains unknown whether these changes last past early life. Additionally, the impact on health outcomes requires further investigation. The studies included in our narrative review were heterogeneous and small, and future studies are needed to draw more definitive conclusions. To conclude the review, we discuss opportunities to enhance the scientific rigor of future studies in this field. One point to consider is the inclusion of both female and male offspring in all outcome assessments to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of potential sex-specific effects and to determine how each sex may be differentially impacted by maternal B-vitamin and choline intake during pregnancy and lactation. Additionally, increasing sample size appropriately and initiating multi-center preclinical randomized controlled trials (mpRCTs) could enhance scientific rigor.