Perinatal Choline Status and Cognitive Function

Perinatal nutrition plays a critical role in neurodevelopmental patterns, and specific periods of sensitivity have been identified during which deficiency of even a single nutrient can negatively impact long-term cognitive and behavioral measures. Recent human and rodent studies suggest provision of choline may help to not only support structural neurodevelopment, but also promote cognitive function, but dietary effects in these species can only be assessed after the vast majority of brain growth and development have occurred. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of prenatal and early-postnatal choline deficiency on brain structure and function using the piglet.

Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Principal Investigator: Ryan Dilger, PhD
Year Awarded: 2015

The IAFNS Future Leader Award, given annually to promising nutrition and food scientists, allows new investigators the opportunity to add to an existing project or to conduct exploratory research that might not receive funding from other sources or add to an existing project. Consideration is given to individuals proposing research in the areas of experimental nutrition, nutrition and toxicology, and nutrition and food science. Grants extend for a period of 2 years at a funding level of $15,000 USD per year. Funds may not be used for overhead or to support the investigator’s salary.

View all Future Leader Award Recipients.