Impact of Whole versus Low-fat Milk on Toddler Health and Development
Official title: Milk Type in Toddlers (Milk-TOT) Study: Impact of Whole versus Low-fat Milk on Child Adiposity, Health and Development
Funded at Univ of Calif/div/agriculture/nat/resour · NIH-10919837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking whole milk compared to low-fat milk affects the growth and health of toddlers, and it’s for parents who want to know the best milk choice for their little ones as they switch from breastmilk or formula.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Calif/div/agriculture/nat/resour NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $665,505 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131217-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are parents of toddlers aged 2 to 3 years who are transitioning from breastmilk or formula to cow's milk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the toddler age range or those who are not transitioning to cow's milk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the type of milk consumed by toddlers, specifically whole milk versus low-fat milk, affects their growth, health, and development. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial where 625 parents of toddlers will be recruited and assigned to either whole or 1% milk groups for one year. The primary focus is to measure changes in body fat and other health outcomes as toddlers transition from breastmilk or formula to cow's milk. By understanding the effects of milk fat on child adiposity, the research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for parents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary guidelines that promote healthier growth and development in toddlers, potentially reducing the risk of obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited rigorous research on this specific topic, existing observational studies suggest that the type of milk consumed may influence child adiposity, indicating a need for further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Calif/div/agriculture/nat/resour
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ritchie, Lorrene D — Univ of Calif/div/agriculture/nat/resour
- Study coordinator: Ritchie, Lorrene D
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.