Originally published August 2 2005
Even a small dose of meth can prove fatal to a fetus
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
New research has shown that even a minute dose of methamphetamines or "speed" can pose long-term mental development problems in fetuses.
Pharmacy and pharmacology Professor Peter Wells and his colleagues determined that exposing pregnant mice only once to methamphetamine led to delivery of offspring with long-term neurodevelopmental problems, including reduced motor coordination.
"We've known for a while that meth abuse during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight, cleft palates and other malformations," said Wells.
"But this is the first research demonstrating that even a single exposure can cause long-term damage."
"It's pretty remarkable that a single low dose can have such an effect," he added.
"It's an important finding, given the increasing use of club drugs among women of child-bearing age.
It has clinical implications, because it shows that the fetus is exquisitely sensitive."
Doctoral candidates Winnie Jeng and Andrea Wong and undergraduate Ryan Ting-A-Kee were also involved in this study.
The study's findings are published in the August issue of Free Radical Biology and Medicine.
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