Infant nutrition and brain development

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The effect of myelin-relevant nutrients in infant formula on brain myelination and cognitive development

  • IRAS ID

    223513

  • Contact name

    Steven Williams

  • Contact email

    Steve.williams@kcl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Nestec Ltd Nestle Research Centre

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    DUND-101115, NPDI Code No

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    4 years, 6 months, 2 days

  • Research summary

    Myelination is a developmental process ensuring coordinated communication between brain cells and networks. Myelination is therefore considered an expression of the functional maturity of the brain. Myelination starts in utero and continues into the second and third decade of life. Many factors such as genetics, environment, to name but a few, influence myelination. The main factor to influence myelination in early life is that of nutrition. Little is known about the impact of nutrition on myelination in healthy infants and young children.
    The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of a blend of myelin-relevant nutrients in baby milk formula on new myelination and cognitive development as compared to babies that are breastfed.

  • REC name

    London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/LO/0599

  • Date of REC Opinion

    4 May 2017

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion