Nutrition is increasingly being considered as a modifiable factor that may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. While severe deficiencies in certain nutrients are known to have dramatic effects, there is growing interest in the potential impact of more subtle insufficiencies — particularly during critical windows such as pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.
In conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum condition (ASC), questions have been raised around whether specific nutrients may play a role in cognitive performance, attention, or learning.
- Could low choline intake be a contributing factor to altered brain function?
- Are individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions more likely to have different nutrient needs or metabolic profiles?
- And how might practical dietary strategies fit into a broader management approach?
In this episode, Dr. Emma Derbyshire discusses the evidence on choline and other brain-related nutrients in the context of neurodiversity.
Timestamps
- [02:02] Guest background
- [05:38] Choline: what it is and why it matters
- [07:26] Research challenges: measuring choline and study design issues
- [10:49] Maternal intake: choline’s role in fetal brain development
- [14:24] Choline & neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASC, dyslexia)
- [17:14] The choline gap: intake vs. requirements
- [23:05] Supplementation: adequacy vs. excess and safety concerns
- [25:05] Food sources: choline in the diet & intake planning
- [30:14] Nutrition as a tool in ADHD and dyslexia management
- [38:45] Other key nutrients (omega-3s, iron, iodine, magnesium, water)
Related Resources
- Go to episode page
- Join the Sigma email newsletter for free
- Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium
- Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course
- Book: Nutrition for ADHD and Dyslexia: Unlocking the Potential for Learning and Wellbeing
- Dr. Derbyshire’s website: https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!