Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Evaluation Potential for Nutrition Intervention

Micronutrient supplementation can improve health and prevent developmental disorders in specific populations at risk for nutritional deficiencies. However, many studies have failed to show health benefits of multivitamin supplementation in human subjects with replete micronutrient status. Thus, correct targeting of populations with micronutrient deficiencies is an important prerequisite for the implementation of nutritional interventions. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can cause permanent intellectual disabilities and neurobehavioral impairments which contribute significantly towards early life adversity at the earliest stages of life. Alcohol use during pregnancy is increased in populations with more adverse childhood events, which increases the risks of infants born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Iron is a critical nutrient for fetal and infant brain development, and the requirement for iron increases significantly during pregnancy. Iron deficiency is more common in populations with health disparities associated with low socioeconomic status. We will use the Cerner Health Facts and National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey to determine if iron status is lower in newborns diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and pregnant women who consume alcohol. Completion of this study is expected to identify populations at risk for infants born with fetal alcohol syndrome and high rates of iron deficiency and may benefit from iron supplementation. The knowledge gained from these studies may lead to nutrition strategies to prevent or mitigate the teratogenic effects of alcohol during pregnancy and decrease the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.