Exploring the Interplay Between Micronutrients in Human Milk and Infant Growth in the Indian Population

Background: The present study examines the relationship between micronutrient concentrations in human milk (HM) and infant growth in Indian population. Because, there is limited data on how HM micronutrients influence infant health and development, where most studies have been small-scale or short-term.

Rationale and Purpose: SThe micronutrient deficiency in maternal diet raises concerns about the potential impact on breastmilkof exclusively breastfed infants and a plausible link between milk nutrient levels and itseffects on infant health and developmental outcomes. Despite these insights, the precise influence ofHM micronutrients on infant growth remains insufficiently explored. Maternal nutrition directly affects the levels of essential micronutrients in HM, including vitamins and minerals, which may impact infant growth. However, there is a lack of comprehensive longitudinal studies that analyse these micronutrients and their combined effects on infant health. We intend to analysis of the concentrations of micronutrients such as minerals, present in human milk. The HM samples were previously collected and stored as a part of the Human Milk & Infant Nutrition (HMIN)longitudinal study which was a sun study of a larger trial of Intrapartum Azithromycin to prevent sepsis in mothers that concluded in November 2022.

Objectives:(i) To determine the composition of mineral micronutrients concentration in human milkwith a longitudinal sampling at 1 week, 3 months and 6 months timepoints, (ii) To study the association of mineral micronutrients with infant growth

Methods: The study will analyse three hundred HM samples,previously collected from the participants in the HMIN study, for concentration of minerals such as zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb).

Study Duration:  One year (The study started February 2024 and will end February 2025)

Expected Outcomes:(i) A mineral micronutrient dataset would be created to provide valuable insights into the nutritional profile of human milk among the Indian sub-population. (ii) Inform on the correlations between mineral micronutrient levels at various time points and respective infant growth trajectories.