Choline Supplementation as a Neurodevelopmental Intervention in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Study

Choline Supplementation as a Neurodevelopmental Intervention in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Study

This is a randomized, double-blind controlled trial of choline supplementation in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The study is comparing two administration durations (3 months vs. 6 months) of choline. The primary outcome measures are cognitive measures.

This project is the fourth in a series of randomized, double-blind controlled trials of choline bitartrate in children ages 2-5 (under 6) years with prenatal alcohol exposure. Pre-clinical data suggests that choline may attenuate the cognitive deficits caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (especially memory deficits). This study will evaluate the effects of daily choline supplementation in two dosing regimens (3 months choline vs. 6 months choline). Outcome measures include an elicited imitation memory paradigm, IQ measures, and measures of memory and executive functioning, and behavior.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 2.5 years to 5 years old (<6 years of age) at enrollment
• Prenatal alcohol exposure
• Available parent or legal guardian capable of giving informed consent for participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of a neurological condition (ex. epilepsy, traumatic brain injury)
• History of a medical condition known to affect brain function
• Other neurodevelopmental disorder (ex. autism, Down syndrome)
• History of very low birthweight (<1500 grams)