Choline Supplementation in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Despite the known damaging effects of alcohol on the developing fetus and the presence of
warning labels on alcoholic beverages, many pregnant women continue to drink alcohol. The
consequences include a range of physical, neurological, and behavioral effects referred to
as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Unfortunately, there are currently no
comprehensive treatments for individuals with FASD. This pilot study will examine whether a
nutritional intervention could reduce the severity of cognitive deficits associated with
prenatal alcohol exposure. Choline is an essential nutrient, necessary for brain and
behavioral development. Animal studies have shown that prenatal or early postnatal choline
supplementation can lead to long-lasting cognitive enhancement. Similarly, choline
supplementation improves cognitive outcomes among rats exposed to alcohol during
development, even when administered postnatally and after alcohol exposure has occurred. The
present experiment translates these findings to a clinical population of individuals exposed
to heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive daily
choline supplementation or placebo control for a period of 6 weeks (approximately 20
subjects per group). Performance on neuropsychological tasks that measure cognitive
functioning will be measured prior to treatment and at 6 weeks. These data will provide
important information regarding a potential nutritional intervention for fetal alcohol
spectrum disorders.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Confirmed histories of prenatal alcohol exposure (by review of medical, legal, or
social service records or maternal report, if available; information about levels and
timing of exposure will be inquired, but not necessary for inclusion)

- English as primary language

Exclusion Criteria:

- Significant physical (e.g., uncorrected visual impairment, hemiparesis) or
psychiatric (e.g., psychosis) disability that would prohibit participation

- History of neurological condition (e.g., epilepsy)