Metals in breast milk and their effects on baby growth
Metal Impacts on miRNAs in Human Milk and Contributions to Early Childhood Growth
The team will determine whether metals in breast milk change tiny molecules called microRNAs and whether those changes are linked to faster weight gain in infants, especially in rural communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330577 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you're a breastfeeding parent, the researchers will collect milk samples and measure metals and microRNAs while tracking your baby's weight and growth through early childhood. They will combine these human samples and growth records with lab experiments that test how metal-exposed milk miRNAs influence fat-related genes and cells. The project focuses on families in rural areas where metal exposure is more common. Together, the clinical data and lab work aim to link specific metal exposures to changes in milk signals that could drive accelerated infant growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are breastfeeding mothers and their infants (followed from birth through early childhood), especially those living in rural communities or with known metal exposures.
Not a fit: Infants who are exclusively formula-fed or older children beyond the early growth window may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to reduce early rapid weight gain by identifying harmful metal exposures and milk-based signals that might be targeted for prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show milk-derived microRNAs can survive digestion and some research links metal exposure to childhood adiposity, but directly connecting metals, milk miRNAs, and infant growth is a newer area.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howe, Caitlin Grace — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Howe, Caitlin Grace
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.