Protein-Packed breast milk could help tiny preemies grow stronger
NCT ID NCT04325308
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether adding extra protein to breast milk during the first two weeks of life helps extremely preterm infants (born at 28 weeks or earlier) gain more lean body mass and develop a healthier gut microbiome. About 150 babies will be randomly assigned to receive either protein-enriched human milk or standard human milk. The goal is to see if the extra protein improves growth and gut bacteria diversity by the time they reach their original due date.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- human-based protein supplement added to human milk
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could improve growth and gut health in extremely preterm infants, reducing long-term health problems.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with only 150 infants, so results may not apply to all preterm babies. Adding protein may also cause digestive issues or other side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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150 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2020
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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1 day to 4 days
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Gestational age ≤ 28 weeks of gestation * Postnatal age \< 96 hours Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital malformations * Chromosomal anomalies * Terminal illness needing to limit or withhold support
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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
Locations
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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