Effects of perinatal alcohol exposure and dietary calcium supplements on skeletal and dental growth in rats.

Osteoporosis, hypocalcemia and skeletal size reduction are all common correlates of perinatal alcohol exposure. The present study assesses the effects of dietary calcium supplements on reversing perinatal alcohol-induced osteopenia. One hundred and twenty-nine offspring from Fisher 344 rats received 14% v/v alcohol in tap water from conception to weaning or 3 months of age followed by dietary calcium supplements (230 mg/kg/day) to 6 months of age. Significant group effects (p less than 0.001) were noted for all 12 dental and skeletal dimensions measured. Results suggest that calcium therapy following perinatal alcohol exposure may ameliorate alcohol-induced osteopenia in exposed offspring.

Duke Scholars

Author Andrea Beth Taylor Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy