Both male and female offspring of the rats who consumed nicotine went on to consume nicotine themselves.
However, only the male offspring developed both cognitive deficits and anxiety-like behaviorsomething in line with existing human data.
It’s essential to remember that this study did not use human subjects.
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There are other possible mechanisms toothe behavior (e.g., smoking) could affect the developing fetus.
Teasing apart these two possibilities is notoriously difficult!
The benefit to mental health may even be equivalent to the benefit of using antidepressants.
The earlier somebody starts smoking, the earlier theyll become exposed to the harms of smoking.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2017;139(2).
doi:10.1542/peds.2016-2509
Srivastava P, Trinh T.The effect of parental smoking on childrens cognitive and non-cognitive skills.Economics & Human Biology.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US); 2012.
