Study of Microplastic Exposure in Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Infants and Its Effects on Infant Growth in Baltimore, Maryland

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the exposure to micro- and nano-plastics MNPs in mother-infant pairs living in Baltimore, Maryland, focusing on mothers 1 or 3 months postpartum who are exclusively breastfeeding. The study aims to understand what types of MNPs are present in breast milk, maternal blood, and infant stool, and to explore links between maternal MNP exposure and infant growth patterns. This research will also investigate which environmental and lifestyle factors influence maternal MNP levels. Participants will provide biological samples including maternal blood, stool, breast milk, and infant stool, with careful collection methods to avoid plastic contamination. They will complete questionnaires about medical history, lifestyle, and diet. Mothers will be asked to exclusively breastfeed using a silicone breast pump provided by the study for 14 days prior to infant stool collection. Infant feeding amounts will be estimated by weighing infants before and after breastfeeding during study visits. During clinic visits, researchers will measure maternal height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as infant weight, length, and skinfold thickness. Dietary intake will be assessed through validated questionnaires and phone interviews. Samples will be analyzed for microplastic content, gut microbiome composition, and metabolomics. The study will monitor infant growth and maternal health over the postpartum period, with data collection designed to understand the impact of environmental MNP exposure on early development.

Developmental Impacts of Microplastics Exposure in Early Life