Iodized salt and early brain development in babies of pregnant and breastfeeding women in rural Ethiopia
Official title: Effect of iodized salt in pregnancy and lactation on infant neurodevelopment in rural Ethiopia
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11474405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests whether giving iodized salt to pregnant and breastfeeding women helps their babies’ brain development.
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 start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $175,444 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD107475-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11474405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are pregnant women in their first or early second trimester and their infants, particularly in settings with limited access to iodized salt.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant or lactating women with access to adequate iodine may see limited or no additional benefit.
What this research studies
The project follows mothers in pregnancy and during the early months after birth to see if iodized salt affects infant brain function. Researchers will use brain measures from babies, gathered through noninvasive EEG tests, to look for changes in neural development. The study builds on an existing randomized trial and compares outcomes with and without iodized salt supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. Results could inform guidelines on iodine nutrition for mothers and young children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve infant brain development and help shape public health recommendations on iodine nutrition for pregnant and lactating women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest iodine affects brain development, though results have been mixed, making this trial important for clear guidance.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cherkerzian, Sara — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cherkerzian, Sara
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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.