Choline again shown to counter behavior, learning problems caused by prenatal alcohol

A new study adds to research showing that the B vitamin choline may help to counter some of the damage done by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

Jennifer Thomas and colleagues note that despite increasing know­ledge about alcohol's devastating effects on behavior and IQ, many women ignore warnings to abstain from drinking during pregnancy. Thus, the researchers say, it is imperative for researchers to identify treatments to help children born with deficits due to alcohol exposure. Earlier research by Thomas and colleagues found that alcohol-exposed rat pups treated with choline after birth performed as well as non-exposed rats on a test of learning and memory, while exposed pups who did not receive choline showed marked impairments (see related article, Crime Times, 2001, Vol. 7, No. 2, Pages 1 and 5). The current study showed that giving choline to rat pups exposed to alcohol during the equivalent of the third trimester of human pregnancy significantly reduced the severity of alcohol-related hyperactivity and spatial learning deficits. Choline's benefits were still apparent months after the rats stopped receiving choline, indicating that the effects of the nutrient are long-lasting. Also, even relatively low doses of the nutrient were effective. However, choline did not prevent the occurrence of motor problems linked to alcohol exposure.

"These data indicate that choline supplementation can alter brain development following a developmental insult," Thomas and colleagues say. "Moreover, the data suggest that early dietary interventions may reduce the severity of some fetal alcohol effects, even when administered after birth."

However, Thomas cautions, "Choline is not going to be a panacea for all symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Women need to be continually reminded of the damaging effects of alcohol on the developing fetus."

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are one of the most common causes of mental retardation, learning problems, and disruptive behavior and are strongly linked to juvenile delinquency and adult criminality. (see related articless, Crime Times, 2007, Vol. 13, No. 2, Page 3, and Crime Times, 2007, Vol. 13, No. 2, Page 7.)

[2007, Vol. 13]