(Express) - ENJOYING the odd tipple of red wine while pregnant may not be good for you as hoped, according to scientists who say its 'healthy' ingredient could harm the unborn child's pancreas.

Resveratrol - an ingredient of red wine once hailed the 'wonder drug' - which protects against harmful aspects of obesity, has now been found to lead to developmental abnormalities in the foetal pancreas- a vital organ in the digestive system.

The new study is likely to confuse pregnant women - who have before been told they can drink up to one small glass of wine a day without harming their child's development.

Lead researcher Dr Kevin Grove and his colleagues administered resveratrol supplements to obese female macaque monkeys consuming a Western diet every day throughout their pregnancy.

A second group of obese monkeys were not given the supplement and all comparisons were made against lean monkeys, who consumed a low fat healthy diet.

The animals were closely monitored for health complications and blood flow through the placenta was determined by ultrasound.

Resveratrol, which is found in some fruits, chocolate, nuts and red wine, is said to improve heart, muscle and bone functions - the same way they’re improved when one goes to the gym.

The plant compound is also sold in supplements due to its antioxidant properties, which scientists say contribute to cell protection.