Early boost: fortifying breast milk sooner may help preterm babies grow better

NCT ID NCT05525585

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether adding extra nutrients (fortification) to breast milk earlier (between days 4-7) helps very preterm infants (born 29-33 weeks) grow better and develop a healthier gut compared to waiting until days 10-14. Eighty infants will be randomly assigned to one of two fortification schedules. The main goal is to measure fat-free body mass and gut bacteria diversity.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: human milk fortifier (added to breast milk)
What this could lead to: If early fortification works, it could improve growth and gut health in very preterm infants, reducing feeding problems.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 80 infants, so results may not apply to all preterm babies. The intervention is a dietary supplement, not a drug, so benefits may be modest.

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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.

ENTERAL FEEDING INTOLERANCE LIGHT-FOR-DATES PREMATURITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States

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