How genetics and milk composition affect infant health
Official title: Genetic and genomic influences on human milk composition and impacts on infant health
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10784288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the genes of breastfeeding mothers affect the nutrients in their milk and how that impacts the health of their babies, especially during the important first two years of life, including those born early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,817 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD113834-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include breastfeeding mothers and their infants, particularly those with concerns about infant health and development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breastfeeding or whose infants are not receiving human milk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between the genetic factors influencing human milk composition and their effects on infant health. By utilizing advanced genomics and metabolomics techniques, the study aims to identify key components in human milk that contribute to infant development, particularly during the critical first 1000 days of life. The research will also explore the impact of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) on milk composition and its potential consequences for infants, especially those who are preterm. The findings could provide valuable insights into optimizing infant nutrition and health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how to enhance infant nutrition through tailored breastfeeding practices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between milk composition and infant health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Kelsey Elizabeth — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Kelsey Elizabeth
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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.