Understanding how the liver and gut bacteria affect fat absorption in premature infants
Liver-Gut-Microbiome Axis and Fatty acid absorption in Preterm Infants
This study is looking at how very low birth weight babies can better absorb important fats for their growth, especially when they are fed donor milk instead of their mom's milk, and it aims to find ways to help these tiny infants get the nutrition they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11051897 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by very low birth weight infants in absorbing essential fatty acids, particularly Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LCPUFAs), which are crucial for their development. It explores the role of the liver-gut-microbiome axis in regulating fat digestion and absorption, focusing on how gut bacteria and bile acids influence this process. The study aims to identify the reasons behind impaired growth and nutritional deficiencies in these infants, particularly when fed donor milk compared to maternal milk. By analyzing the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism, the research seeks to improve nutritional strategies for preterm infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are very low birth weight infants, particularly those born prematurely and facing challenges with fat absorption.
Not a fit: Patients who are not very low birth weight infants or those who are not premature may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved nutritional interventions that enhance growth and health outcomes for very low birth weight infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the gut microbiome's role in nutrient absorption can lead to significant improvements in infant health outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hair, Amy Boriskie — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hair, Amy Boriskie
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.