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Research
Ongoing research
MaxiMoM-InForM
Individualized fortification to improve neurodevelopment of infants born <1500 grams
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Randomized controlled trial
The purpose of this study is to determine the best way to add nutrients to milk (fortification) to improve the growth and neurodevelopment of infants born very low birth weight.
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Global Health Work
In this study, we want to understand how a mother's nutrition, the composition of her breastmilk, and her child's growth and neurodevelopment are all connected. We will do this by looking at data from mothers and their children in rural Pakistan, in collaboration with the Aga Khan University. Some of the mothers in the study took multivitamins, while others did not. We want to see if the breastmilk from the mothers who took multivitamins is different from those who did not, and whether or not child growth and neurodevelopment are affected at 4 years of age.​​
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Completed research
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DoMINO
Donor Milk for Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
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Randomized controlled trial
Key findings:
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Donor milk does not improve neurodevelopment above preterm formula, but it reduces the risk of a serious bowel disease called necrotizing enterocolitis.
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Donor milk and preterm formula result in similar growth at 5.5 years of age for children born very low birth weight.
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There is no difference in cost between donor milk and preterm formula to the healthcare system or families.
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Preterm infants fed mother's milk develop unique gut microbiotas.
OptiMoM
Optimizing Mothers' Milk for Preterm Infants
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Randomized controlled trial
Key findings:
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Human milk-based fortifier does not improve feeding tolerance above bovine milk-based fortifier.
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Human milk-based fortifier does not improve neurodevelopment above bovine milk-based fortifier.
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Each mother of preterm infants has a unique milk microbiota and it changes over time.
Covid Study
Observational study
Key findings:
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SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination impact antibodies in breastmilk. Read the University of Toronto news release.
OptiMoM Grows Up
Follow-up to a trial
Key findings:
Caregiver feeding practices differ between children born very low birth weight and term-born children. Practices are related to body mass index in children born very low birth weight.
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CanDo
Canadian Donor Milk Trial
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Randomized controlled trial
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The primary goal is to compare the effects of supplementing mother's milk with donor milk versus formula in infants at increased risk for supplementation. This includes infants born to mothers with diabetes or infants with lower-than-expected birth weights.
Key findings to come.
Publications
Select publications
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SickKids Research Institute
Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning
686 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5G 0A4
Department of Nutritional Sciences
University of Toronto
1 King's College Circle
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5S 1A8
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