Expressed Human Breast Milk Microbiota Study (EHBMMS)

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Development of an optimised test protocol for the analysis of the Bacterial Taxonomic Composition of Expressed Human Breast Milk (EHMB)

  • IRAS ID

    286910

  • Contact name

    Aaron Peace

  • Contact email

    a.peace@c-tric.com

  • Sponsor organisation

    Medicon Ireland

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 6 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    The human microbiome and its relevance to health and development is becoming increasingly recognised in the scientific community. In order to further the understanding of how the microbiome relates to health status, it is imperative that researchers and healthcare providers have access to a reliable and accurate diagnostic process. The specific objectives are therefore for DiCROmed (Medicon Ireland) to be able to facilitate research and healthcare providers with a means to have access to a reliable method of analysing expressed human breast milk at local laboratory sites based on a simplified POCT test being developed. It is envisaged that this service will be invaluable for mothers deciding on a possible course of nutritional plans for their babies as a necessary supplement to breastfeeding for both mother and infant where required.
    To do this, 100 surplus anonymised expressed human breast milk samples will be obtained from the Human Milk Bank within the WHSCT and undergo various laboratory tests for the below purposes:
    1.) Explore the correlation between the bacterial taxonomic composition of Expressed Human Breast Milk (EBM)
    2.) Explore the macro and micro nutritional analytes, bioactive components, endocrine and immune markers (although this list is not limited)
    3.) Develop improved diagnostic protocols which will in turn benefit laboratory analysis and enhance health outcomes.

  • REC name

    London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/PR/0326

  • Date of REC Opinion

    12 Mar 2021

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion