Animal studies show that small amounts of alcohol impair the ability of cholesterol to develop cells and organs in developing embryos, leading researchers to postulate that giving cholesterol supplements to alcoholic mothers could prevent alcohol-induced birth defects.

Science Daily reported March 10 that researchers led by Yin-Xiong Li, Ph.D., of Duke University based their conclusions on studies of zebrafish. Li said that the study found that the amount of alcohol consumed, how long the mother drinks, and the timing of the pregnancy all play roles in determining the severity and type of alcohol-caused damage. "The amount of alcohol consumed is important as well," Li said. "Even the equivalent of one 12-ounce beer, consumed at the wrong time, could disrupt the signaling pathway and lead to a defect."

"This new insight into the molecular basis of fetal alcohol syndrome could have far-reaching implications and suggests new prenatal care that might prevent the developmental defects caused by alcohol consumed during pregnancy," added Li.

The study was published in the March 2007 issue of the journal Laboratory Investigation.