Scientists in the US are claiming that analysis of a newborn baby’s first stool can alert doctors to the child’s risk of problems with intelligence and reasoning.
The team, from Case Western Reserve University, found that high levels of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) found in the stool (from a mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy) could indicate the potential to develop cognitive problems in later years.
As part of the study, the team examined the first stool, or meconium, of 216 babies. They looked at levels of FAEE, then tested the children’s intelligence levels at the ages of nine, 11 and 15. According to the study report, the researcher found a link between those children with high levels of FAEE at birth and lower IQ scores in later years.
Commenting on the findings, researcher Meeyoung Min said: “FAEE can serve as a marker for foetal alcohol exposure and developmental issues ahead. Detecting prenatal exposure to alcohol at birth could lead to early interventions that help reduce the effects later.”
