Dietary Choline Linked to Enhanced Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women

A recent study has established a significant association between dietary choline intake and increased bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, a population particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis. The research, published on July 2, 2025, in the journal Scientific Reports, analyzed data from 4,160 participants of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2018, revealing that higher choline intake correlates with enhanced lumbar spine BMD.

Lead author Dr. Jincheng Bai, an associate professor at the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in Taiyuan, China, emphasized the importance of this nutrient, stating, “Choline, a vital nutrient involved in lipid homeostasis and inflammatory pathways, has been associated with skeletal health. Yet its role in preserving bone density among postmenopausal populations, who are at high risk for osteoporosis, requires further investigation.” The study utilized a weighted linear regression model to characterize the dose-response relationship between total dietary choline intake and lumbar spine BMD, finding that each additional gram of choline consumed per day was associated with a 0.082 g/cm² increase in lumbar spine BMD.

The findings suggest that postmenopausal women in the highest quartile of choline intake exhibited a 0.025 g/cm² greater BMD compared to those in the lowest quartile. Furthermore, a stratified analysis indicated that the effects of choline on BMD varied significantly by obesity status (p interaction = 0.015), income (p interaction = 0.003), and race (p interaction = 0.039), with more pronounced protective effects observed among obese individuals, those with higher incomes, and non-Hispanic whites.

The implications of these findings are considerable, as the risk of osteoporotic fractures increases when BMD falls below a certain threshold (T-score ≤ -2.5). Osteoporosis-related fractures can severely impact quality of life, increase mortality rates, and generate substantial healthcare costs. Dr. Bai and colleagues noted that early-stage bone loss often remains clinically silent until fractures occur, making it critical to identify modifiable factors that influence BMD in this demographic.

“Identifying modifiable factors influencing BMD in postmenopausal women is critical for refining osteoporosis risk assessment and advancing targeted prevention strategies,” the researchers concluded. This study highlights the potential for choline-targeted nutritional interventions to mitigate osteoporosis risk among postmenopausal women, prompting further research into dietary strategies for bone health.

The complete study is available for review in the Scientific Reports journal.