Understanding how early diet affects heart health in children born prematurely
Infant diet and cardiometabolic risk among children born preterm
This project explores how the diet of very preterm infants in the NICU might influence their risk of developing heart and metabolic problems later in childhood.
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 ID | NIH-11125856 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that babies born very early (before 32 weeks of gestation) face a higher chance of developing conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart problems as they grow up. This research focuses on the critical period right after birth, especially the diet provided during their NICU stay, to see if it influences how their bodies develop fat and muscle. By looking closely at these early feeding patterns, we aim to understand their contribution to long-term health risks. Our goal is to identify specific dietary factors that could help reduce these health challenges for premature children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for children who were born very prematurely (prior to 32 weeks of gestation) and their families, particularly regarding their early nutrition.
Not a fit: Patients not born prematurely or those outside the specific age ranges being followed in this long-term research may not directly benefit from this particular study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better feeding practices for premature babies, potentially lowering their risk of developing serious health conditions like obesity and heart disease later in life.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of early life exposures affecting later health is well-established, this specific focus on NICU diet and long-term cardiometabolic risk in very preterm infants represents an important area of ongoing investigation.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belfort, Mandy Brown — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Belfort, Mandy Brown
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.