Investigating how certain chemicals in breast milk affect obesity risk in Hispanic children.
Official title: Perfluoroalkyl Substances and the Gut Microbiome and Fecal Metabolome: Implications for Obesity Risk in Hispanic Children
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11030265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in breast milk might affect the gut health and weight of Hispanic children as they grow, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent obesity in kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $631,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035035-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Hispanic infants who are being breastfed and may be exposed to PFAS through breast milk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Hispanic or those who are not breastfeeding may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in breast milk and the development of obesity in Hispanic children. It aims to understand how these chemicals may alter the gut microbiome and fecal metabolites during infancy, a crucial period for growth and health. By examining the effects of PFAS exposure, the study seeks to identify potential interventions that could help prevent childhood obesity. The research involves analyzing samples from infants to assess the impact of these substances on their growth and gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing obesity in children, particularly in Hispanic communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that environmental chemicals can impact health outcomes, but this specific investigation into PFAS and the gut microbiome in infants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alderete, Tanya Lynn — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Alderete, Tanya Lynn
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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.