An RCT: Impact of Chia Seeds on Human Breast Milk Composition
University of Oklahoma
Summary
The investigators' over-arching hypothesis is that mechanical and compositional properties of chia seeds supplemented during lactation diminish obesity-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. The investigators hypothesize these changes will result in: 1) reduced maternal systemic inflammation (serum CRP and IL-6) and increased gut microbial diversity and richness, 2) reduced HM fat and inflammatory markers, metrics the research team have demonstrated differ in tandem with maternal metabolic health and 3) improved infant growth/body composition. To test these hypotheses, investigators will evaluate chia seed supplementation during lactation in a 6wk multi-site pilot RCT (Aim 1) and through translational studies using human enteroids (Aim 2).
Description
Childhood metabolic disease has become a progressively serious global health challenge. The investigators' preliminary data reveal maternal metabolic dysfunction and poor diet are associated with increased human milk fat, proinflammatory markers, and altered microbiota, potentially contributing to transmission of metabolic susceptibility to offspring, while their studies in animal models demonstrate associations between milk composition and offspring metabolic health may be a mechanism by which lactational programming dictates offspring metabolic susceptibility. The investigators' long-term go…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * pre-pregnancy BMI \>25 kg/m² * Maternal age 18 - 45 years at time of delivery * Singleton pregnancy * Vaginal delivery * Intention to breast feed for at least three months * No prescription medications that may interfere with gut microbiome * Not taking antibiotics for ≥ 1 week prior to each visit * No chia seed supplements during pregnancy Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to understand English * Preterm or post-term birth (gestational age \<37 or \>42 weeks) * Congenital or other defect or medical condition that would affect the mother's ability to produce milk or the…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementChia seeds
Chia seeds will be given to lactating mothers.
Locations (2)
- Brigham and Womens HospitalBoston, Massachusetts
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, Oklahoma