Investigators: Lieke van den Elsen, Akila Rekima, Valerie Verhasselt
Early life determinants of optimal growth
The rates of both child undernutrition and overweight are alarmingly high. As breastfeeding is physiological for the newborn, human milk is expected to be the best fit for infant growth needs. Worldwide, half of all newborns are deprived of colostrum due to delayed initiation of breastfeeding and/or formula supplementation during first days of life. Preterm babies are also often given donor milk, which is milk from advanced stage of lactation, but rarely mother’s colostrum.
We use a mouse model to investigate how the lack of colostrum at birth affects development, including the role of the microbiota. We use the ORIGINS birth cohort to examine the relationships between in-hospital formula supplements and impaired growth. Establishing the impact of insufficient colostrum intake on healthy growth will inform the need to invest in strategies to promote colostrum feeding during hospital stays. It will also highlight key dietary compounds that may be used to promote healthy metabolism development in newborn.
Plain language summary
Colostrum is the very first milk produced by the mammary gland and is often called the liquid gold due to its special color and composition. In many cases and in many parts of the world, newborns do not receive the full amount of colostrum. We investigate whether this insufficient intake will affect child development. This research will promote child health through support for families and improved hospital practice.
Funders of the project
Raine Foundation
Larsson Rosenquist Foundation
External collaborators
David Lynn
Miriam Lynn
Remy Burcelin