Investigating how breastfeeding and early-life microbiomes affect respiratory health in children
Official title: BREATH - Breastfeeding, Early-life Microbiome and Respiratory Health Study
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10975578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breastfeeding affects the good bacteria in babies' tummies and noses, and how that might relate to breathing problems like asthma and allergies as they grow up, so we can better understand how to keep kids healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $508,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI185753-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and young children, particularly those with a family history of asthma or allergies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who were not breastfed may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between breastfeeding, the development of the microbiome in infants, and respiratory health outcomes in children. By utilizing large birth cohorts and advanced algorithms, the study aims to identify how breastfeeding influences the gut and nasal microbiomes, which are linked to conditions like asthma and allergies. The research will analyze over 14,000 samples to uncover the mechanisms that connect these factors and their impact on childhood respiratory diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing respiratory diseases in children by understanding the role of breastfeeding and microbiome development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising links between the microbiome and respiratory health, but this research aims to provide more definitive insights and is considered a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shenhav, Liat — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Shenhav, Liat
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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.