Optimizing nutrition for very low birth weight infants

Improving Growth and Neurodevelopment of Very Low Birth Weight Infants Through Precision Nutrition: The Optimizing Nutrition and Milk (Opti-NuM) Project

The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT06870981

This study looks at how the nutrition from human milk affects the growth and health of very low birth weight infants to help create better feeding plans for them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
Ages1 Hour to 21 Days
SexAll
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children (other)
Locations6 sites (Palo Alto, California and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06870981 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Opti-NuM Project focuses on understanding how early nutrition impacts the growth and development of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This observational study utilizes secondary data and biospecimens from previous studies to explore the relationships between human milk components, parental and infant factors, and health outcomes. By analyzing these complex interactions, the study aims to inform personalized feeding strategies that better support the nutritional needs of VLBW infants. The research emphasizes the importance of both macronutrients and bioactive components in human milk.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants who were enrolled in the MaxiMoM Platform RCTs and are classified as very low birth weight.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the MaxiMoM Platform RCTs will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to personalized nutrition strategies that significantly improve health outcomes for very low birth weight infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in personalized nutrition approaches for preterm infants, suggesting potential for success in this novel observational study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Secondary data and biospecimens from participants of the MaxiMoM Platform RCTs

Exclusion Criteria:

• Data and biospecimens from infants who are not enrolled in the three trials are eligible for this project.

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California and 5 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Very Low Birth Weight Baby, Early Nutrition and the Preterm Infant, Nutritional Requirements, Human Milk Fortification, Human Milk Microbiome, Human Milk Feeding, Human Milk Nutrition, Growth &Amp

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.