Pasteurizing breastmilk: help or hindrance for tiny babies?

NCT ID NCT07411872

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study reviewed medical records of 900 very low birth weight preterm infants to compare outcomes between those fed raw (unpasteurized) mother's milk and those fed pasteurized mother's milk. The researchers also looked at whether the baby's sex played a role. The goal is to understand if pasteurization, often done when the mother carries cytomegalovirus, affects serious complications like infections or lung disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: pasteurized vs. unpasteurized mother's own milk
What this could lead to: If clear benefits or risks are found, this could guide feeding practices for preterm infants, especially when mothers are cytomegalovirus-positive.
What could go wrong: This is a retrospective analysis, not a controlled trial, so it can only show associations, not cause and effect. Results may not apply to other hospitals or populations.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PREMATURITY VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Neonatologie

Berlin, 13353, Germany

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