Moringa in Breastfeeding: A mom-and-baby study
Official title: The MiLC Study: Moringa in Lactation and Early Childhood
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11418366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether adding moringa leaf powder to mothers’ diets can increase breast milk volume and improve infant growth among undernourished families in Kenya.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $603,611 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114728-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Mothers of undernourished infants in low-resource settings who are currently exclusively breastfeeding
✕Less likely to help
Mothers whose milk production is not limited by nutrition or who cannot tolerate moringa may not see benefits
What this research studies
Researchers will enroll mothers and their healthy, undernourished infants and randomize them to receive moringa leaf powder or a placebo, then measure milk volume and milk nutrients as well as infant growth. The study builds on prior pilot data showing higher milk volume and better infant growth with moringa supplementation. They will look at how moringa affects maternal hormones linked to lactation, breastfeeding duration, and both mother’s and baby health over several months. The approach involves daily moringa or placebo, regular follow-ups, and collection of blood and milk samples to assess chemistry and nutrients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, moringa could help more mothers produce sufficient breast milk and support healthier growth in babies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies suggested higher milk volume with moringa, but this larger trial aims to confirm effectiveness and safety
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kern, Philip a — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Kern, Philip a
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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.