Iodized salt for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to support babies' brain development in rural Ethiopia
Effect of iodized salt in pregnancy and lactation on infant neurodevelopment in rural Ethiopia
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11392837
This project gives iodized salt to pregnant and breastfeeding women in rural Ethiopia to see if it helps their babies' early brain, attention, and motor development.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11392837 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, you would be randomly assigned as part of a larger trial that is already giving some women monthly iodized salt and other nutrition supports during pregnancy. This award adds a lactation component in a 2x2 factorial design so some women will also receive iodized salt support while breastfeeding. The study will follow babies after birth and use simple developmental tests of attention, motor skills, language, and memory and collect breast milk and biological samples. Study staff will visit regularly to provide the salt package and do follow-up measurements for you and your child.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant or breastfeeding women living in rural areas with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency in Ethiopia, especially those in their third trimester or who plan to breastfeed, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Women living where iodine intake is already adequate or infants whose developmental problems stem from non-iodine causes may not gain benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ensuring mothers get enough iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding could improve infants' early brain development and learning skills.
How similar studies have performed: Iodine supplements clearly help babies when mothers have severe deficiency, but the benefits in mild-to-moderate deficiency and during breastfeeding are not well established and need more study.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHERKERZIAN, SARA — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: CHERKERZIAN, SARA
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.