The fetal alcohol syndrome in American Indians: a high risk group.

There are several factors which might increase the risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Native American groups. Culture influences, fertility, patterns of alcohol consumption and abuse, and perhaps dietary and metabolic differences may be involved. The suspicion of increased occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the Indian population is presently based upon incomplete or anecdotal evidence, but studies are now underway to define actual prevalence rates in some of these groups.