Effectiveness of Nutritional Resources for Milk Donors
Recruiting now · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Docosahexaenoic Acid Content of the Participants, Docosahexaenoic Acid Content of the Breast Milk
In brief
Maternal diet influences breast milk nutritional profile; however, a national survey undertaken by the researchers revealed that non-for-profit donor milk banks in the U.K. do not provide specific dietary information to donors. Moreover, the researchers have shown that donor milk in the U.K. provides very low levels of the omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid, respectively. These are essential for brain development and immune system function, and preterm infants receiving donor milk do not receive sufficient levels of these nutrients. There is therefore an urgent need to develop nutritional guidelines and resources for milk donors. Following a systematic review the researchers developed evidence-based nutritional information resources for donors, which would also be applicable more generally to lactating mothers. Those resources were developed in consultation with donors, and healthcare professionals, including dietitians and lactation consultants. Researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of these resources in terms of acceptance and compliance, and also changes in milk DHA content. The researchers will also assess whether providing feedback on individual's milk DHA content increases milk DHA levels. If successful these resources will be introduced into milk banks across the U.K., and promoted to the wider breastfeeding community.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07042009
- Run by
- University of Roehampton
- People needed
- 60
- Starts
- 2026-04-02
- Expected to finish
- 2026-10-31
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-05-20
Who can join
Age: 18 and older. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- New donors from the Countess of Chester Hospital milk bank
You may not qualify if…
- Insufficient comprehension of English to understand the information sheet and consent form and complete the questionnaires
- Currently taking omega-3 PUFA dietary supplements providing greater than 200 mg DHA per day
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2
Where it is running
- Chester Milk Bank — Chester, United Kingdom (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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