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A "healthy" component in red grapes and wine may increase the risk of pancreatic problems in unborn babies.

Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon found that pregnant women who take resveratrol supplements are more likely to give birth to babies with developmental pancreas abnormalities.

"The important message in this study is that women should be very careful about what they consume while pregnant, and they should not take supplements, like Resveratrol, without consulting with their doctors," Kevin L. Grove, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Division of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism and the Division of Reproductive and Development Science at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon, said in a news release. "What might be good for the mother may not be good for the baby."

"We've known for a long time that resveratrol is pharmacologically active, and we're just now really beginning to understand the pros and cons of consuming high concentrations of this substance," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, according to a news release. "As we begin to establish a safety profile for resveratrol and other dietary supplements, findings like this should come as no surprise. There are always negative side effects when you eat, drink, take or do too much of anything."

The latest findings were published in the June 2014 issue of The FASEB Journal.