Walnuts for Infant Health
(WISH Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how eating walnuts might affect gut health, inflammation, skin conditions like eczema, and allergies in breastfed infants. Researchers are also examining how walnuts could influence growth and weight gain in babies. In the study, one group of infants will consume a small amount of walnuts daily, while another group will avoid walnuts and other tree nuts. Suitable candidates for this trial are full-term, generally healthy infants who have been exclusively breastfed with little to no solid food introduced. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the potential health benefits of walnuts for infants.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that walnut consumption is safe for infants?
Research has shown that walnuts are generally a healthy food. They contain high levels of beneficial fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for health. The FDA has approved walnuts as a healthy food, indicating they are safe for most people to consume.
However, walnuts, like other tree nuts, can cause allergies. Tree nuts rank among the most common foods that trigger allergic reactions in babies. Introducing them slowly and monitoring for signs of allergies, such as skin rashes or difficulty breathing, is important.
Most people can consume walnuts without issues when eaten in normal amounts. For babies, it is crucial to follow guidelines and introduce them carefully to monitor for any adverse reactions.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Most treatments for boosting infant health focus on supplements or fortified foods. But researchers are excited about using walnuts because they are a natural, whole-food option that may offer multiple benefits. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain development, as well as antioxidants that support overall health. Unlike processed supplements, walnuts provide these nutrients in a natural form, which might be better absorbed by infants. This approach could offer a simple, nutritious way to enhance infant health without the need for artificial additives.
What evidence suggests that walnuts might be an effective treatment for infant health?
Research suggests that walnuts may benefit gut health and reduce inflammation. One study found that a diet rich in walnuts during pregnancy improved children's brain development. Another study showed that walnuts aided brain development in teenagers. Although direct evidence for infants is lacking, these findings suggest walnuts might support healthy growth and possibly lower allergy risks. In this trial, the walnut group will give their infant 10g of walnuts daily for 7 months to explore these potential benefits further. Meanwhile, the control group will limit walnuts and tree nuts.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Minghua Tang, Phd
Principal Investigator
Colorado State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for breastfed infants to see if eating walnuts affects their gut bacteria, inflammation, skin health, and allergy risks. It also looks at how walnuts might influence growth and weight. Infants with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions may not be eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Infants in the experimental group receive 10g of walnuts daily for 7 months to assess effects on gut microbiota, growth, and immune markers
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Walnuts
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Colorado State University
Lead Sponsor
California Walnut Commission
Collaborator