Alcohol, Breast Milk, and Metabolism in Lactating Women
Official title: Localized Mammary Alcohol Metabolism as a Mechanism Linking Low-Level Alcohol Intake to Breast Cancer Risk
Run by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NCT07779967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether breast tissue locally metabolizes alcohol by comparing alcohol-related markers in blood and breast milk from lactating women after low-level alcohol exposure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 13, 2031 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2032 |
| Registry record updated | September 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07779967 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Lactating women aged adulthood with an infant 2–5 months old who are experienced with using a breast pump and willing to consume a small amount of alcohol during the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who are not lactating or who do not meet the timing and pumping requirements may not experience any direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study investigates how low levels of alcohol exposure affect metabolic processes in the breast by analyzing paired blood and breast milk samples. Participants are lactating women who will have alcohol intake and breast-pumping timing recorded, with measurements taken to explore local breast metabolism versus systemic metabolism. By comparing alcohol-related metabolites in milk and blood, researchers aim to clarify biological pathways that could link alcohol to breast cancer risk. The project uses non-invasive sample collection from human milk to study tissue biology during lactation and to inform risk communication. Results could guide future research and public health messaging about alcohol and breast health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could improve understanding of how alcohol affects breast biology and help refine risk information for lactating women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored alcohol metabolism in body tissues, but this approach of paired milk and blood analysis during lactation is relatively novel and exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All aims -Drink alcohol (at least one alcoholic drink during lactation of a lactating female) For aims 1 and 2 * Nursing a 2- to 5-month-old infant * Experienced with a breast pump Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant * Lifetime history of alcohol dependence * Drink more than 3 standard drinks per day or more than 7 standard drinks per week in the month previous to enrollment * Current regular use of drugs with addiction potential (other than alcohol) * Use of medications known to interact with alcohol metabolism * Current smoking * Anemia * Diabetes * Liver disease
Where it's running
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Bevier Hall; University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Urbana, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marta Y Pepino de Gruev — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Marta Y Pepino de Gruev, Ph D
- Email: ypepino@illinois.edu
- Phone: 217-300-2374
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.