RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effectiveness of Nutritional Resources for Milk Donors

This study aims to improve the nutritional quality of donated breast milk, specifically focusing on a special type of fat called DHA. DHA is really important for babies' brain and immune system development. Researchers found that donated milk often has low levels of DHA, and milk banks usually don't give donors specific dietary advice to help with this. Working with donors and health experts, they've developed new eating guides. This study will check if these guides help increase DHA in milk. They will also see if telling donors their own milk's DHA levels encourages them to make more. If successful, these guides could be used across the UK to benefit many babies.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Roehampton

Enrolment target

Start

02 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Docosahexaenoic Acid Content of the Participants Docosahexaenoic Acid Content of the Breast Milk

What is this study about?

When mums donate their breast milk, it's a fantastic help for premature babies. However, research has shown that this donated milk often doesn't have enough of certain important fats, like Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, and it's vital for a baby's brain development and a healthy immune system. Preterm babies, who are already quite vulnerable, rely on this milk for their nutrition, so making sure it's as good as it can be is really important.

Currently, most milk banks in the UK don't give donors specific advice on what to eat to boost these healthy fats in their milk. To try and change this, researchers have put together some helpful eating guides. These guides were created with the help of donors themselves, as well as dietitians and other healthcare professionals. They're designed to be easy to understand and follow.

Now, the researchers want to test if these new guides actually work. They want to see if mums who use the guides produce milk with higher DHA levels. They'll also explore whether mums are more likely to follow the advice if they receive feedback about the DHA levels in their own milk. The hope is that if these guides are successful, they can be shared with all milk banks across the UK and even more widely with all breastfeeding mums, helping more babies get the best start in life.

Key takeaways

New guides aim to boost healthy fats (DHA) in donor milk.
DHA is vital for babies' brain and immune development.
The study tests if eating guides and feedback help donors.
Participation involves questionnaires, small blood/milk samples, and food diaries.
Results could improve donor milk nutrition across the UK.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a new breast milk donor with the Countess of Chester Hospital milk bank. This specific milk bank is the largest in England and helps many babies. The researchers are looking for around 60 new donors over an eight-month period.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you find it difficult to understand English well enough to follow instructions and fill out forms, this study might not be suitable. Also, if you're already taking high-dose omega-3 supplements (more than 200mg of DHA per day), or if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher, you wouldn't be able to participate. This is to make sure the study results are clear and that any changes in DHA levels can be linked directly to the new eating guides.

The study is open to women aged 18 and over, with no upper age limit. If you fit the general criteria and are interested in helping to improve milk donation, you might be a good fit!

Quick self-check

Are you a new donor at Countess of Chester Hospital milk bank?
Do you understand English well enough for forms?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you not currently taking high-dose omega-3 supplements (over 200mg DHA/day)?
Is your BMI (Body Mass Index) less than 30?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for eight weeks. Here's a general idea of what's involved:

* **Initial Visit:** When you join, you'll be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your eating habits, especially regarding fats. You'll also provide a small blood spot sample (like a pinprick) and a small sample of your breast milk, which you'll express at home. * **Nutritional Guides:** You'll receive the new eating guides that aim to help you boost DHA in your milk. * **Food Diary:** You'll be asked to keep a simple three-day food diary at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. You can do this easily by taking photos of your food using a mobile phone app. * **Milk Samples:** In week 1 and week 5, you'll collect a small drop of milk on a special filter paper at home and post it back for analysis. * **Feedback (for some):** About half of the participants will receive feedback on the DHA levels found in their milk samples. This helps the researchers see if knowing this information encourages better changes. * **Final Visit:** After eight weeks, you'll have a final visit similar to the first, completing a questionnaire and providing blood and milk samples again. This helps the researchers measure any changes over the study period.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you'll be contributing valuable information that could lead to better nutritional guidelines for all milk donors, ultimately benefiting many premature babies. You might also gain useful insights into your own diet and learn ways to improve the nutritional quality of your breast milk. The risks involved are minimal, mainly related to the small blood spot and milk sample collections, which are generally very safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or your ability to donate milk.

Locations (1)

Chester Milk Bank
Chester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is DHA and why is it important?

DHA is a 'good fat' (omega-3) crucial for babies' brain development and their immune system, helping them fight off illness.

Will I have to change my diet drastically?

The study provides eating guides with suggestions to help boost DHA, but you won't be forced to make drastic changes. It's about helpful advice.

How long will I be in the study?

The study lasts for eight weeks, with some initial, middle, and final checks and sample collections.

Will I know my own milk's DHA levels?

About half of the participants will receive feedback on their milk's DHA levels, as part of evaluating if this helps.

What if I decide to leave the study early?

You are free to leave the study at any time without any reason, and it won't affect your care or milk donation.

How to find out more

Coralie Falize

falizec@roehampton.ac.uk +44 (0)2083923538 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.