Impact of Whole Versus Low-fat Milk on Child Health
Official title: Milk Type in Toddlers (Milk-TOT) Study: Impact of Whole Versus Low-fat Milk on Child Adiposity, Health and Development
Run by University of California, Davis · NCT06230510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether whole milk or low-fat milk is better for the health and weight of toddlers aged 2 to 3 years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 23 Months to 48 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 625 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oakland, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06230510 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are parents of toddlers aged 2 to 3 years who are willing to participate in the milk intervention and meet the study's eligibility criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with specific medical conditions affecting growth or feeding, or those outside the age range of 23 to 48 months, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effects of whole cow's milk compared to 1% low-fat milk on child obesity and health outcomes in toddlers aged 2 to 3 years. It aims to determine how different milk fat types influence adiposity, measured by waist-to-height ratio and other metrics. The study will recruit 625 parents and randomly assign their toddlers to either milk group for one year, with a focus on understanding the implications of milk fat on early childhood growth and development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence to guide dietary recommendations for preventing obesity in young children.
How similar studies have gone: While few rigorous trials have focused on this specific question, existing observational studies suggest a complex relationship between milk fat consumption and child adiposity, indicating that this approach may yield novel insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Parents of children: 1) willing to be randomized to provide either only whole or 1% milk to their child for 1 year, 2) access to a smart phone and a tablet, laptop or computer with internet and email at home, 3) ability to speak and read English or Spanish for the purposes of receiving study communications and completing surveys and dietary assessments (to avoid needing to translate all study materials and have research staff fluent in other languages due to budget limits), 4) not planning to move outside of the San Francisco Bay Area or discontinue being child's primary caregiver for the next year (e.g., foster care, parent separation). Exclusion Criteria: Children: 1) \<23 months or \>48 months old at recruitment; 2) condition or medication that affects growth or daily feeding, or cardiometabolic health such as hypopituitarism, growth hormone deficiency, inborn error of metabolism, syndromic obesity, familial hypercholesterolemia, 3) weight-for-length or height below the 2nd percentile, 4) lactose intolerance, milk allergy or other dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan) that impact ability to consume dairy or otherwise limit dietary intake, 5) resides in more than one household (e.g., shared care by separated parents), and 6) not covered by public or private medical insurance (may reduce well-child doctor visits). If two eligible children are in a household, one will be randomly selected to participate.
Where it's running
-
Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Oakland, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lorrene Ritchie, PhD — Nutrition Policy Institute
- Study coordinator: Lorrene Ritchie, PhD
- Email: lritchie@ucanr.edu
- Phone: (510) 987-0523
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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.