Improving Breast Milk Composition for Better Infant Health
Feeding Mom Feeding Infant's Microbiota: Nutritional Strategies for Improving Breast Milk Composition and Infant Health
This study looks at how what mothers eat affects the quality of their breast milk and their babies' health during the important first 1,000 days of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Month to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05259059 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on the critical first 1,000 days of life, examining how maternal diet influences breast milk composition and, consequently, infant gut microbiota and health outcomes. By recruiting 100 healthy mother-child pairs in Hong Kong, the study aims to gather data on dietary intake, breast milk composition, and infant development. The research seeks to clarify the complex relationships between maternal nutrition, breastfeeding practices, and infant health, particularly in the context of the local dietary patterns observed in lactating women. No interventions will be applied, as the study is observational in nature.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy Hong Kong mothers aged 18-40 who are breastfeeding and intend to continue for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with complicated pregnancies, special dietary restrictions, or major medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional strategies that enhance breast milk quality, benefiting infant health and development.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on maternal diet and infant health, this specific approach focusing on the interplay of diet, breast milk, and gut microbiota is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Mothers: 1. Hong Kong residents aged 18-40 years old; 2. Vaginal delivery between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation; 3. Carrying a singleton pregnancy; 4. Breastfeeding for \>80% feeding occasions upon recruitment; 5. Intend to continue breastfeeding at least till the infant reaches 3-month old; Inclusion Criteria for Infants: 1. Delivered between 37 and 42 weeks; 2. Born by vaginal delivery; 3. Singleton infant with no known abnormality; Exclusion Criteria: 1. Complicated pregnancy such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes; 2. Special dietary restrictions for examples gluten-free diets, vegan or any restrictions due to food allergies; 3. Suffer from renal, liver, or thyroid dysfunction, cognitive impairment, or any other indication of a major medical or psychological illness, as judged by the investigators as ineligible to participate the study 4. Have no intention to continue breastfeeding beyond 3 months.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Man Sau Wong, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Wing Wa Ho, bachelor
- Email: wing-wa.ho@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 85234008806
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.