Fetal Alcohol Exposure Leads to Adult Problems, Study Suggests

Individuals exposed in-utero to alcohol can suffer ill health effects that last into adulthood, a new animal study suggests.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin at Madison found that the offspring of monkeys given the equivalent of one or two drinks daily during pregnancy were more likely to have addiction, sensory, and other problems as adults. They also ran a higher risk of developmental defects as infants.

"There's no safe time to drink, even before pregnancy is detected, and there's no safe amount," said Mary Schneider, a UW-Madison professor of occupational therapy and psychology. "Alcohol exposure to the developing brain, even at moderate levels, can interfere with brain chemistry and persist into adulthood."

The researchers found that the offspring of monkeys who were given alcohol early in their pregnancy had lower levels of dopamine in their brain, which could make them more susceptible to addiction problems. Those born to mothers who drank later in pregnancy had hypersensitive dopamine levels, which can lead to sensory issues or, in extreme cases, schizophrenia.

The biggest dopamine imbalances were found in the children of monkeys who drank throughout their pregnancy.