Gestational weight gain and dietary energy, iron, and choline intake predict severity of fetal alcohol growth restriction in a prospective birth cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Animal models have demonstrated that maternal nutrition can alter fetal vulnerability to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Few human studies have examined the role of nutrition in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

Objectives

Our objectives were to examine whether fetal vulnerability to PAE-related growth restriction is modified by: 1) rate of gestational weight gain; or prenatal dietary intakes of 2) energy, 3) iron, or 4) choline.

Methods

In a prospective longitudinal birth cohort in Cape Town, South Africa, 118 heavy-drinking and 71 abstaining/light-drinking pregnant women were weighed and interviewed regarding demographics, alcohol, cigarette/other drug use, and diet at prenatal visits. Infant length, weight, and head circumference were measured at

SUBMITTER: Carter RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9348980 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature