Biochemistry of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

This book reviews the biochemical pathways of ethanol and its metabolites in humans in the context of pregnancy. Special emphasis is devoted to the implications for foetal and neonatal development. The book also covers primary direct effects of ethanol as well as downstream effector pathways involving modulation of receptor and hormonal signalling, and the enzymatic status of the offspring. Special attention is given to the implications of maternal alcohol consumption for the nutritional status of compounds with recognised relevance for pregnancies, such as folate, unsaturated fatty acids and zinc.