Understanding how breast milk composition affects infant health
Official title: Mammary Epithelium Permeability, Lactation Outcomes, and Infant Health
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11093448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way breast milk is made can affect breastfeeding and your baby's health, aiming to find ways to improve breastfeeding and nutrition for infants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,120 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111200-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breastfeeding mothers, particularly those who may be experiencing challenges with milk supply or have concerns about their milk's composition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breastfeeding or those who have already weaned their infants may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mammary epithelium permeability in breast milk and its impact on lactation outcomes and infant health. It aims to understand how the composition of breast milk, influenced by factors like permeability, can affect the immune system and overall health of infants. By conducting longitudinal studies, the research will measure changes in mammary epithelium permeability during established lactation and explore its relationship with perceived milk supply issues. This study seeks to provide insights that could help improve breastfeeding practices and infant nutrition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved breastfeeding support and better health outcomes for infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the physiological aspects of lactation can lead to significant improvements in breastfeeding outcomes, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arcaro, Kathleen Frances — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Arcaro, Kathleen Frances
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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.