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# Ergot alkaloids can stunt fetal growth
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/ergot_alkaloids_can_stunt_fetal_growth_0908140933/
- Published: 2014-09-09T10:32:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:24:16.000Z
- Description: Pregnant ewes fed endophyte-infected tall fescue seed bore lambs weighing 37 percent less than those of unexposed ewes, with lighter organs and muscles. People are exposed to ergot alkaloids mainly through contaminated grains, especially rye.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Chemical, Food Safety, #vivvo-import

Tuesday Sep 9, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new animal [study ](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25191653?ref=foodconsumer.org)shows that ingestion of food contaminated with ergot alkaloids during gestation can reduce fetal growth and muscle development. The study compared two groups of pregnant ewes fed endophyte-infected tall fescue seed or tall fescue seed without infection and found birth weight reduced by 37% in lambs born to pregnant animals exposed to ergot alkaloids, compared to those whose mothers were not exposed to the toxins. Organ and muscle weights were also found lighter in the affected animals.Humans are exposed to ergot alkaloids mainly by eating contaminated grains particularly rye. (David Liu, pHD)Duckett SK, Andrae JG, Pratt SL. Exposure to ergot alkaloids during gestation reduces fetal growth in sheep. Front Chem. 2014 Aug 21;2:68.