Investigating how human milk affects the health of preterm infants and the impact of storage practices.
Cellular Components of Human Milk: An Examination of Their Role in Infant Health and Development and the Functional Impact of Hospital Storage Practices
This study is looking at how the way we store and handle human milk affects its health benefits for preterm babies in the NICU, with the goal of finding better ways to feed these little ones and help them grow stronger.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10857320 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of cellular components in human milk and their effects on the health and development of preterm infants. It examines how common storage and handling practices, such as refrigeration and thawing, may alter the beneficial properties of human milk. By studying these factors, the research aims to uncover the protective mechanisms that human milk provides to vulnerable infants, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The findings could lead to improved feeding practices that enhance infant health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants, particularly those under 4 weeks old who are receiving human milk in a NICU setting.
Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or those who are not receiving human milk may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better feeding practices for preterm infants, enhancing their health and development.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on storage practices is novel, previous research has shown the benefits of human milk for preterm infants, indicating a promising area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Briere, Carrie-Ellen — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Briere, Carrie-Ellen
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.