Could a High-Protein diet in the NICU boost preemie brain development?

NCT ID NCT04190875

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study follows up on extremely low birth weight infants (under 1000 grams) who received either a standard or high-protein diet while in the NICU. Researchers want to see if the higher protein diet leads to better growth, body composition, and neurodevelopment at 18-24 months of age. The study is currently suspended.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: high-protein diet (targeted fortification of human milk)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that a higher protein diet in the NICU leads to better long-term growth and brain development in extremely premature infants.
What could go wrong: This is a small, suspended follow-up study, so results may not be conclusive. The diet was given in the NICU, and many other factors affect a child's development.

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.

Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PREMATURE INFANTS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baylor College of Medicine / Texas Children's Hospital

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.