Impact of Avocado Consumption on Breastfeeding and Infant Brain Development
An Avocado Intervention to Increase the Nutrients in Human Milk in Support of Infant Cognitive Development
This study is testing if eating five avocados a week can improve the nutrients in breast milk and help babies' brain development during breastfeeding.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kannapolis, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06208085 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study aims to explore the effects of avocado consumption on the nutrient composition of human milk and its potential benefits for infant cognitive development. Eighty-eight breastfeeding dyads, consisting of healthy lactating women and their infants, will participate by consuming five avocados per week for 12 weeks. The study will assess compliance, analyze the presence of key nutrients in breast milk, and evaluate cognitive outcomes in infants at 4.5 and 6 months of age. The research focuses on the synergistic effects of nutrients found in avocados, such as choline and lutein, on brain development.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy lactating women who are 13 weeks postpartum and planning to exclusively breastfeed for six months.
Not a fit: Patients who have gestational diabetes, infants with developmental delays, or those with allergies to avocados, latex, or bananas may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how specific nutrients from whole foods like avocados can support optimal brain development in infants.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using avocados as a whole food supplement is novel, previous studies have indicated potential cognitive benefits from nutrient-rich diets during breastfeeding.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Healthy lactating women at 13 weeks postpartum * Planning to exclusively breastfeed to 6 months of age * Gave birth at 38 weeks or greater gestation without remarkable incident * Pre-pregnancy BMI \<30 Exclusion Criteria * Gestational diabetes * Infant with diagnosis or documented suspicion of developmental delay * Any documented seizure activity in infant * Family history of avocado, latex, or banana allergies
Where this trial is running
Kannapolis, North Carolina
- Nutrition Research Institute — Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carol L Cheatham, Ph.D. — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Carol L Cheatham, Ph.D.
- Email: carol_cheatham@unc.edu
- Phone: 704-250-5010
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.