Pears + Sweet Potatoes for Infant Development
(IMiND Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study is examining the relationship between infant nutrition, gut health, and development. The fecal microbiota changes and develops, in large part due to the food that infants eat. These changes are important for many aspects of development. This study is designed to examine how the fecal microbiota changes when exclusively breastfed infants are first introduced to solid food, and how changes of the fecal microbiota are related to other aspects of development.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications. However, mothers must refrain from giving their infants certain supplements and non-study foods during the study.
Is it safe for infants to consume pears and sweet potatoes?
How does the Pears + Sweet Potatoes treatment for infant development differ from other treatments?
The Pears + Sweet Potatoes treatment is unique because it combines naturally sweet and nutritious foods to potentially enhance infants' acceptance of fruits and vegetables, which can be crucial for their development. Unlike other treatments that may rely on added sugars or commercial baby foods, this approach uses whole foods to promote a balanced diet and improve dietary variety.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Pears and Sweet Potatoes for infant development?
The research suggests that having a variety of fruits and vegetables available at home can improve children's intake of these foods, which is important for their development. Additionally, a diverse diet, including fruits and vegetables like pears and sweet potatoes, is linked to better growth and developmental outcomes in children.311121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jennifer Smilowitz, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, Davis
Lisa Oakes, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, Davis
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for mother-infant pairs near UC Davis, California. Infants must be born full-term and exclusively breastfed for at least 5 months, ready to start solids between 4-7.5 months old without any GI abnormalities or recent antibiotic use. Mothers should be healthy, aged 21-45, non-smokers, and willing to avoid giving infants formula or supplements during the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Infants consume either sweet potato or pear baby food for 7 days, followed by a 4-day washout period of exclusive breast milk
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in fecal microbiota composition and other developmental measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Pears
- Sweet Potatos
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Davis
Lead Sponsor
UC Davis Foods for Health Institute
Collaborator
Mengniu Dairy
Collaborator