A study by scientists in New York suggests that early exposure to alcohol while the woman is pregnant may reduce the child’s sensitivity to the bitterness of alcoholic drinks, making their smell and taste more appealing.
Rats!
The researchers, from State University of New York Upstate Medical University (SUNY) in Syracuse found that rats whose mothers had been given alcohol while pregnant were more likely to find the taste of alcohol appealing later in life. The researchers came to the conclusion after carrying out an experiment in laboratory rats.
They were also more likely to drink water containing quinine, an ingredient of tonic water known for its bitter taste. Moreover, the animals sniffed more when they were close to alcohol, suggesting that they were attracted to its smell.
By contrast when offered the choice of sugared water, alcohol, or quinine flavoured water, rats who were not exposed to alcohol tended to plump for the sweeter alternative, the study has revealed.
The findings reported by PTI London and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal could help explain previous studies which have shown that people are more risk prone to becoming addicted to alcohol the younger they are when they have their first drink.
Perhaps the study reinforces the recommendation of Danish health advisories, delWine and the Italian custom that the pregnant mothers may drink 3-4 glasses of wine a week, not more than a glass at a time. Not only, would it restrict alcohol intake to safe levels as several earlier studies have shown, it will attract the child more towards the healthier option of drinking wine on growing up-editor |
