Presence of neurotrophic growth factors in breast milk
Evaluation of Neurotrophic Growth Factors in Breast Milk at Two Years of Age and Beyond
This study is testing whether certain brain-supporting proteins are still found in the breast milk of mothers with toddlers older than 18 months to see how they might help with brain development.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT05943847 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the presence of neurotrophic factors, specifically Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), S100B protein, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), in the breast milk of mothers with 18-month-old children. It will collect breast milk samples from 25 mothers at three different time points: when their child is 18 months, 24 months, and after 25 months. The study seeks to determine whether these neurotrophic factors persist in breast milk beyond the age of 2 years, contributing to our understanding of their role in infant brain development.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are mothers who have exclusively breastfed their infants for the first six months and are participating in the 18-month follow-up.
Not a fit: Mothers of infants who were not exclusively breastfed in the first six months or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of the nutritional and developmental benefits of breast milk for infants beyond the age of two.
How similar studies have performed: While the presence of neurotrophic factors in breast milk has been previously demonstrated in younger infants, this study's focus on older infants is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mothers who applied for the 18th-month follow-up of their exclusively breastfed baby for the first 6 months agreed to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Mothers of infants who were not exclusively breastfed in the first six months * Mothers with infection, metabolic disease, central nervous system, breast disease or pregnancy * Mothers of infants with infection, metabolic disease, malnutrition and central nervous system disease * Mothers who stop breastfeeding before 25 months
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- İstanbul University İstanbul Medical Faculty Department of Pediatrics Division of Social Pediatrics — Istanbul, Turkey (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Öykü Özbörü Aşkan, PhD — İstanbul Univeristy
- Study coordinator: Gonca Keskindemirci, Assoc Prof
- Email: keskindemirci@hotmail.com
- Phone: 0905324934651
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.