Exploring the health benefits of human milk and its composition
Milk-Omics: Systems Biology of Human Milk and Its Links to Maternal and Infant Health
This study is looking at how the different ingredients in human milk can impact the health of babies, especially those born early, by examining samples from 400 moms and their infants to see how milk varies and what that means for nutrition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10907590 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique composition of human milk and how it affects the health of infants. By analyzing the genetic and molecular factors that influence milk production in mothers, the study aims to understand how these elements contribute to infant health. The project will utilize data and samples from a cohort of 400 mother-infant pairs to identify variations in milk composition and their implications for nutrition, particularly for preterm infants. The goal is to establish a comprehensive understanding of human milk as a biological system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include healthy mothers who are breastfeeding their term infants.
Not a fit: Patients who are not breastfeeding or whose infants are not consuming human milk may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved nutritional strategies for infants, especially those who are preterm or have specific health needs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the biological systems of human tissues, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into human milk as well.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demerath, Ellen W. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Demerath, Ellen W.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.