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Could donor milk give late preterm babies a healthier start than formula?

NCT ID NCT03220282

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares banked donor breast milk to preterm formula for late preterm infants (born at 34–36 weeks) who need extra nutrition while their mothers' milk supply increases. Researchers will track the babies' weight gain and analyze their gut bacteria to see which supplement supports healthier growth and microbial balance. The goal is to determine whether donor milk should be offered more widely to this group.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
donor breast milk
What this could lead to
If donor milk helps late preterm babies grow and develop healthy gut bacteria, it could become a standard supplement for these infants.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with only 48 babies, so results may not apply to all preterm infants. Donor milk is pasteurized and may lack some nutrients found in fresh mother's milk.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Breast Feeding infectious disease Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST MILK SUBSTITUTE INTOLERANCE BREASTFEEDING GROWTH DELAY MICROBIAL COLONIZATION PRETERM INFANT

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California, San Francisco Medical Center

    San Francisco, California, 94122, United States

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