Impact of iodized salt during pregnancy and breastfeeding on infant brain development in rural Ethiopia
Effect of iodized salt in pregnancy and lactation on infant neurodevelopment in rural Ethiopia
This study is looking at how giving pregnant women iodized salt can help their babies' brain development in rural Ethiopia, where many people don't get enough iodine, and it aims to find out if this can improve things like their babies' attention and language skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10891512 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how iodized salt supplementation during pregnancy and lactation affects the neurodevelopment of infants in rural Ethiopia, where iodine deficiency is common. Pregnant women will be randomly assigned to receive either iodized salt or standard nutrition support, and the effects on their infants' brain functions will be monitored. The study aims to clarify the role of iodine in brain development, particularly in areas like visual attention and language skills. By focusing on a population with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve health outcomes for mothers and their children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are pregnant women in rural Ethiopia who are experiencing mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or lactating, or those living in areas with adequate iodine levels, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved infant neurodevelopment and better health outcomes for children in iodine-deficient regions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown positive outcomes from iodine supplementation in severe deficiency cases, but this study explores a less tested area of mild-to-moderate deficiency.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cherkerzian, Sara — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cherkerzian, Sara
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.