Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in well‐characterised neurological, behavioural, and cognitive deficits in offspring. However, the effects on other health outcomes have not been comprehensively described. We used a systematic review methodology to survey published clinical and preclinical studies investigating a broad range of health outcomes in offspring with PAE. This study specifically reports on outcomes related to metabolism and body composition. The preclinical studies provided evidence of glucose intolerance and/or insulin resistance; dyslipidemia and/or hypercholesterolemia; and increased adiposity in offspring with PAE. Due to the paucity of clinical studies, we recommend further studies be conducted to obtain a complete assessment of long‐term metabolic health outcomes in children and adults with PAE, particularly in those diagnosed with FASD.
Publication: Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research
Date: May 2019
Authors: Akison, LK, Reid, N, Wyllie, M, Moritz KM