January, 2002

By Mary J. Shomon

According to animal research reported on in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research , alcohol consumption changes thyroid function and reduces the levels of thyroid hormone in both the mother and fetus. The study, conducted on pregnant sheep, proposes that there may be links between thyroid function and alcohol-related birth defects.

Researchers already have shown that children born to mothers with undiagnosed or undertreated hypothyroidism during their pregnancy can have a variety of abnormalities, including learning disabilities,hyperactivity, poor motor function. These are similar effects to those seen in children with fetal alcohol syndrome.

In the study, the researchers simulated third-trimester binge drinking. What they discovered was that the administration of the alchohol resulted in altered thyroid function in both the mother and fetus.

Further studies will be neeeded to determine whether these findings are equally applicable to pregnant women, but the researchers caution that "abstaining from alcohol use during pregnancy is the safest course."

SOURCE: Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research 2002;26:53-58.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• On alcohol abuse and alcoholism, see Buddy T's Alcoholism site at About.com and his section on drinking and pregnancy.
• On pregnancy and thyroid disease, see the Thyroid Pregnancy Information Center