Early boost: fortifying breast milk sooner may help preterm babies grow better
NCT ID NCT05525585
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.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States