Chia Seeds for Breastfeeding

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location
KB
DA
Overseen ByDavid A Fields, Phd
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether eating chia seeds while breastfeeding can reduce inflammation and improve health for both mothers and their babies. Researchers aim to determine if chia seeds can lower inflammation and enhance gut health in mothers, potentially leading to better growth and health for their babies. The trial includes two groups: one group will consume chia seeds, while the other will not change their diet. This trial suits mothers who had a single baby, delivered vaginally, and plan to breastfeed for at least three months. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the potential health benefits of chia seeds for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications, including antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, metformin, NSAIDs, statins, SSRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants, as they may interfere with the study.

Is there any evidence suggesting that chia seeds are safe for breastfeeding mothers?

Research shows that chia seeds are safe to eat while breastfeeding. Studies have found that they pose little risk and are generally safe for both mothers and babies. They may even help increase breast milk production. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies chia seeds as food, highlighting their safety during breastfeeding. Although they are usually well-tolerated, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to ensure they fit individual dietary needs.1234

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard of care for breastfeeding support, which often involves lactation consultations and nutritional supplements, chia seeds offer a natural food-based intervention. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, which may help enhance milk production and provide essential nutrients to breastfeeding mothers. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it represents a simple, accessible dietary addition that could potentially improve breastfeeding outcomes without the need for more complex interventions.

What evidence suggests that chia seeds might be an effective treatment for obesity-induced intestinal inflammation?

Research has shown that chia seeds might benefit breastfeeding mothers and their babies. In this trial, some participants will receive chia seeds as a food-based intervention. Early findings suggest that consuming chia seeds can reduce inflammation in mothers, which is linked to improved gut health. Additionally, studies have found that chia seeds can enhance the balance of important fats in breast milk, potentially aiding healthy growth and development in babies. Chia seeds are also associated with higher hemoglobin levels, which can help prevent anemia. Overall, these benefits suggest that chia seeds could enhance health for both mothers and babies during breastfeeding.56789

Who Is on the Research Team?

DA

David A Fields, Phd

Principal Investigator

University of Oklahoma

KB

Kathy Burge, Phd

Principal Investigator

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences

PH

Paige H Berger, Phd, RDN

Principal Investigator

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for mothers aged 18-45 with a pre-pregnancy BMI over 25, who had a vaginal delivery of one baby and plan to breastfeed for at least three months. They shouldn't have taken antibiotics within a week before visits or chia seed supplements during pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria

I have not taken chia seed supplements during pregnancy.
I am between 18 and 45 years old and pregnant.
I am pregnant with one baby.
See 5 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive chia seed supplementation during lactation to evaluate its impact on metabolic health, milk composition, and infant growth

6 weeks
Regular visits for breast milk and serum collection

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in breast milk composition and maternal serum levels post-treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Chia Seeds

Trial Overview

The study tests if adding chia seeds to the diet of breastfeeding mothers can reduce obesity-related inflammation in their gut and improve the composition of their breast milk, potentially benefiting infant growth and body composition.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Chia SeedsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Control - no interventionActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Oklahoma

Lead Sponsor

Trials
484
Recruited
95,900+

Presbyterian Health Foundation

Collaborator

Trials
2
Recruited
80+

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Collaborator

Trials
1,694
Recruited
14,790,000+

Citations

Evaluating the relationship between the nutrient intake of ...

The outcome was the differences in breast milk nutrient/contaminant level by maternal intake. Data extraction. Two reviewers independently screened all titles ...

Impact of Chia Seeds on Human Breast Milk Composition

The investigators hypothesize these changes will result in: 1) reduced maternal systemic inflammation (serum CRP and IL-6) and increased gut microbial diversity ...

The Effectiveness of Chia Seeds ( Salvia Hispanica ) on ...

The results showed an increase in hemoglobin levels with an average of 1.3 grams per deciliter and a P value of less than 0.005, which means ...

Chia Seeds for Breastfeeding · Info for Participants

The study tests if adding chia seeds to the diet of breastfeeding mothers can reduce obesity-related inflammation in their gut and improve the composition of ...

Modification of Docosahexaenoic Acid Composition of Milk ...

Consumption of chia oil during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first three months of nursing transiently increases the milk content of ...

Chia and breastfeeding. Is Chia compatible with ... - E-lactation

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant. Low Risk. Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

Chia seeds and pregnancy: Safety and benefits

Chia seeds are nutritious, and they are safe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding. There are very few risks involved.

Eating Chia Seeds During Breastfeeding - Is It Safe?

Chia seeds are safe to consume during breastfeeding and are also believed to increase breast milk production.

Chia Seeds And Breastfeeding: Safety, Benefits & Side ...

Yes, chia seeds are considered safe to consume while breastfeeding. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers chia seeds as food (1). ...