How maternal exercise during breastfeeding affects infant metabolism
Official title: Maternal exercise during lactation to ignite infant metabolism
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11029252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exercising while breastfeeding might change the nutrients in your milk and help your baby’s metabolism, and it’s for moms who want to see if being active can make a difference for their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 22, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $657,909 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD117197-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are exclusively breastfeeding mothers who are willing to engage in a physical activity program during the postpartum period.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breastfeeding or those with pre-existing metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal exercise on the composition of breast milk and its subsequent effects on infant metabolism. By comparing the milk of mothers who engage in regular physical activity to those who do not, the study aims to identify changes in specific metabolites that promote healthy fat metabolism in infants. The research involves randomizing 100 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs into active and control groups, with both groups monitored for physical activity and milk composition over several months. Participants will also undergo supervised exercise sessions to assess immediate and long-term effects on milk quality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing childhood obesity and diabetes through enhanced breastfeeding practices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the effects of maternal health behaviors on breastfeeding outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isganaitis, Elvira Marie — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Isganaitis, Elvira Marie
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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.