Ariel Salas, M.D.A new multicenter clinical trial, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is set to explore optimal human milk intake for preterm infants (27–31 weeks’ gestation), aiming to improve growth and long-term metabolic health.
Unlike formula, human milk offers unique protective benefits against metabolic diseases. However, current guidelines for intake vary widely, reflecting a lack of consensus. This trial will be the first to compare two exclusive human milk feeding volumes in very preterm infants, addressing a critical gap in neonatal nutrition research.
Led by a group of neonatal nutrition experts, including UAB’s Ariel Salas, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, the study will investigate how different volumes of human milk — 140-160 ml/kg/day versus 180-200 ml/kg/day — affect fat-free mass (FFM) accretion, body fat accumulation and gut microbiome development.
“This achievement marks an important step forward in our mission to determine the health benefits of exclusive human milk feeding, investigate host-microbiome interactions and reduce the burden of disease in clinical settings,” Salas said. “We believe it will have a positive impact on our advancement toward precision nutrition.”
The study will enroll 486 infants and track growth metrics, macronutrient intake and gut microbiome patterns through advanced metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. If successful, this research could transform global clinical practices and enhance the development and lifelong health of one of the most vulnerable patient populations.
Funding for this study is provided by R01 grant funds awarded from the NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to complete this project. The five-year grant is for $2,088,404.