DHA Supplementation for Lactating Mothers

Summary

The purpose of this research study is to find out whether preterm infants are receiving enough of the essential and long chain fatty acids important for brain development and immune function. Our current intravenous (IV) fats do not contain the long chain fatty acids and different milk sources have different compositions. We would like to evaluate lactating mothers dietary intake and breastmilk level of fatty acid status by doing an analysis of their blood and breastmilk samples after they have been supplemented with a currently used fatty acid supplement (DHA- Martek Biosciences, now known as Dutch State Mines (DSM) Nutritional Lipid) The DHA supplement is available over the counter. The information learned from this research study may benefit other mothers and babies in the future. The information could help make sure premature babies are receiving the right nutrients they need for appropriate growth and development.

Timeline

Start

2013-05

Primary completion

2018-07-16

Completion

2018-07-16

Publications

• Results Valentine CJ, Dingess KA, Kleiman J, Morrow AL, Rogers LK. A Randomized Trial of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation to Reduce Inflammation in Extremely Preterm Infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2019 Sep;69(3):388-392. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002375.

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.