Research Studies

Following breast or formula feeding, infants enter the stage of early complementary feeding, which includes the introduction of solid foods into your baby’s diet between the ages of 6 – 12 months. The MINT study plans to learn more about how consuming different high-protein foods during the time of early complementary feeding affects your baby’s growth and the development of the good bacteria living inside your baby’s gut. The results from this study will help to provide national dietary guidance for feeding practices throughout infancy, a critical development period previously lacking in nutrition recommendations.

Your baby may be eligible if they are: - Breastfed and/or formula fed - Younger than five months of age - Full term (> 37-weeks’ gestation) - Have not yet been introduced to solid foods This is a seven month-long study, from 5 to 12 months of age, with visits occurring every month. The first and last visit will be conducted at Children’s Hospital Colorado, while the other 6 visits will be home visits. Compensation and all study foods will be provided!

Main Procedures Involved: - Collection of stool, urine, breastmilk (if breastfeeding), and blood (only collected at 5 and 12 months) - Measurement of body composition and dietary intake - Monthly weight, length, and head circumference measurements - Monthly 3-day diet records

Duration of Participation: 7 months