Promising study of a new treatment for FASD published in Minnesota

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have published the very encouraging results of a study on a potential treatment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The study, conducted over four years, was rigorous—a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a vitamin called choline. After four years of choline supplements, children displayed better memory and fewer behavioral symptoms than their peers who were given a placebo. 

CBS Minnesota spoke with Dr. Jeff Wozniak in an interview earlier this month.

This is huge. FASD is a common ailment presenting in children who have been exposed to alcohol during their gestation period. It is believed to occur in as many as one of every twenty children. Symptoms include problems with cognition, memory, concentration, judgement, emotional-regulation and fine motor skills. It is a spectrum disorder meaning that intensity of symptoms vary a great deal child-by-child. Despite how many children suffer from the disorder, treatments and medical interventions are rare and have little effect.

In the absence of a reliable treatment, many parents, foster parents, educators, and other child care professionals have learned to cope by adjusting their expectations and parenting approach for children suspected or diagnosed with FASD.

If a safe & reliable treatment were available, children with known prenatal alcohol exposure could begin healing early and we could undo some of the damage that this exposure can cause.