Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium

The International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium is a research project studying breast milk from mothers in places like Tanzania, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Canada. The goal is to understand what's in breast milk and how these ingredients help babies grow. Researchers know that milk is very complex and contains many things beyond just food, like antibodies and helpful bacteria, which protect babies. Even though milk is amazing, we don't fully understand why it can be so different from one woman to another or from one region to another. This study aims to find out what causes these differences and what effect they have on a baby's growth and health. They will look at many components in milk and put all the information together to learn more.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manitoba

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

17 Nov 2019

Estimated completion

30 Oct 2026

Infant Growth Maternal Health Infant Nutrition

What is this study about?

Imagine learning more about the incredible superfood that is breast milk! This research project, called the International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium, is like a big detective story trying to uncover the secrets of human milk. We know that breast milk isn't just food; it's a living liquid packed with special ingredients that help babies grow strong, develop healthily, and fight off illnesses. It contains important nutrients, but also things like antibodies to protect against germs, hormones for development, and even healthy bacteria that are good for a baby's gut.

Now, here's the interesting part: even though breast milk is amazing, it's not exactly the same for every mother. It can vary quite a bit, for example, in how much energy it provides or in the types of helpful sugars it contains. We don't fully understand why these differences exist or what impact they have on a baby's growth and wellbeing. This study aims to answer these big questions.

Researchers will collect milk samples from mothers and their babies in different parts of the world, including Tanzania, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Canada. They will then carefully look at many different components in these samples, like fats, proteins, vitamins, and other protective substances. By comparing milk from different mothers and different regions, they hope to learn what influences these variations and how they relate to a baby's growth. The ultimate goal is to gain a deeper understanding of breast milk so we can better support the health of babies everywhere.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying breast milk from mothers worldwide.
The aim is to understand how milk ingredients help babies grow healthy.
They want to find out why breast milk varies between mothers and regions.
This research could lead to better support for infant health globally.
Milk samples will be analysed for many different components like fats, proteins, and protective substances.

Who may be eligible?

Joining this study is a bit like fitting into a particular group, as different parts of the study have slightly different requirements depending on where they are taking place.

Generally, the study is looking for mothers who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Important considerations include your baby's age — for some parts, it's for healthy, full-term newborns, while others might involve mothers as young as 15 who are pregnant. It's usually for mothers with single babies, not twins or triplets, and babies without serious birth conditions.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had fertility treatments like IVF, if your baby was born very early, or if your baby has a significant health issue. If you have certain allergies, like a peanut allergy, or if you plan to move away from the study area soon, these might also affect whether you can take part. The research team will go through all the specific details with you if you're interested.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a biological mother who is breastfeeding or pregnant?
Is your baby a single, healthy, full-term infant (if already born)?
Are you able to provide breast milk samples?
Do you live in or near one of the study locations, or within a reasonable distance for the study requirements?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided doesn't fully detail what taking part in the IMiC Consortium would involve for you as a participant, such as visit schedules, specific assessments, or details about any treatments you might receive. However, it does mention that milk samples will be collected. This typically means you would be asked to provide breast milk at certain times. It also mentions that researchers might be looking at how your diet affects milk composition. The overall duration of your involvement isn't specified, but the study aims to understand milk variations and their connection to infant growth, suggesting that your participation might involve providing samples over a period where your baby's growth can be observed.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has possible benefits and some minor risks. One potential benefit of joining this study is contributing to a greater understanding of breast milk, which can ultimately help improve the health of babies worldwide. You might also gain a better understanding of your own health and your baby's development through any initial assessments. As for risks, providing milk samples is generally very safe, but there might be slight discomfort or inconvenience associated with breast milk collection. There's always the chance that new information from the study could be surprising or unexpected. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC)
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand what's in breast milk, why it varies, and how these differences affect a baby's growth and health.

Where are the milk samples coming from?

Samples are collected from mothers in various countries, including Tanzania, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Canada.

Will I receive any treatment if I join?

The information provided suggests the study mainly involves collecting and analysing milk samples, not providing new treatments for you or your baby, though some interventions like vitamin B3 are mentioned generally in the trial.

Is my personal information kept private?

While not explicitly stated in the summary, research studies are typically designed to protect your privacy and keep your personal details confidential.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are always free to withdraw from any research study at any time without having to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.