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Infant-feeding practices and American Indian infants' gut microbiome: Rationale of the pilot study
Insights
This study explores infant feeding practices and the gut microbiome in American Indian infants to understand childhood obesity causes. Findings will inform future research and prevention strategies for this population.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Pediatric obesity
- Nutritional science
Background:
- High prevalence of obesity in American Indian infants.
- Underlying causes of infant obesity in this population remain unclear.
- Need to investigate factors like infant feeding practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine the relationship between infant feeding practices and the gut microbiome in American Indian infants.
- Lay the foundation for a research program on childhood obesity aetiologies.
- Identify potential prevention strategies for childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- Combines qualitative and quantitative data.
- Utilizes DNA sequencing for gut microbiome analysis.
- Examines maternal attitudes, dietary habits, and physical activity.
Main Results:
- The study protocol is described, including theoretical basis, target population rationale, study design, recruitment, and data analysis.
- Aims to generate data on gut microbiome yield, quality, and diversity.
- Results will inform a larger proposed study.
Conclusions:
- The study protocol provides a framework for investigating infant feeding, gut microbiome, and obesity.
- Results will guide future research into obesity aetiologies in American Indian infants.
- Aims to identify effective prevention strategies for childhood obesity.
Abstract:
This study aims to examine the relationship between infant-feeding practices and American Indian infants' gut microbiome--laying the foundation of a research program aimed at identifying potential aetiologies of childhood obesity in this population. Previous studies have emphasised the high prevalence of obesity in American Indian infants, but its underlying causes remain unclear. We received funding from the University of Washington to examine attitudes towards breastfeeding and formula feeding in American Indian mothers, their dietary and physical activity habits and the yield, quality and diversity of their infants' gut microbiome. Our study combines the strengths of qualitative and quantitative data with DNA sequencing. Results will be used to propose a larger study aimed at clarifying aetiologies of childhood obesity in this population and to identify prevention strategies. This protocol describes the theoretical basis of the study, rationale for the target population, study design, participant recruitment and data analysis plan.
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