Improving cognitive development in infants with a special formula

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Improved Cognitive Outcomes Associated With Feihe HMO With DHA/ARA in Infant Formula

Not applicable Interventional Heilongjiang Feihe Dairy Co. Ltd. · NCT06146387

This study is testing a special infant formula to see if it can help improve thinking skills in babies compared to a regular formula and breastfeeding.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 28 Days
SexAll
SponsorHeilongjiang Feihe Dairy Co. Ltd. Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT06146387 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Feihe investigational infant formula containing Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO), DHA, and ARA in enhancing cognitive development in newborns. A total of 240 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the investigational formula, a control formula, or breastfeeding, with assessments conducted at 12 months using the Bayley-III cognitive scale. Participants will have up to six site visits during the study to collect clinical data and monitor progress.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are newborns aged 28 days or younger who are exclusively formula-fed and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with underlying metabolic or chronic diseases, congenital malformations, or feeding difficulties may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive outcomes in infants fed with the investigational formula.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored cognitive development in infants, this specific combination of HMO, DHA, and ARA in formula is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Newborn baby, study entry before weaning (within 28 days of birth)
* Exclusively formula for at least 3 days fed prior to onset of study period.
* Gestational age of 37-42 weeks (36 weeks and six days is considered 36 weeks gestational age).
* Birth weight of 2500g (5 lbs. 8 oz.) or more.
* Signed informed consent obtained for infant's participation in the study.
* Parent or guardian of the infant agrees to not enroll the infant in another interventional clinical research study while participating in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of underlying metabolic or chronic disease; congenital malformation; or any other condition which, in the opinion of the Investigator, is likely to interfere with: the ability of the infant to ingest food, the normal growth and development of the infant, or the evaluation of the infant.
* Evidence of feeding difficulties or formula intolerance, such as vomiting or poor intake, at time of randomization (at investigator discretion).
* Evidence of growth problems or concern for growth.
* Infant was born large for gestational age (LGA) (defined as birth weight-for-age exceeding 90th percentile as plotted on the growth chart provided by Feihe) from mother who was diabetic at childbirth.
* Participant is immunocompromised (according to a doctor's diagnosis of immunodeficiency such as Combined Immunodeficiencies, DiGeorge Syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, Severe Congenital Neutropenia and Secondary Immunodeficiencies linked to HIV infection, Down Syndrome or others) and children with known head/brain disease/injury.
* Use of probiotics/prebiotics before and during the study.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cognitive ChangeBayley-III Cognitive ScaleFeihe Infant FormulaHMODHAARA
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.