We're researching how the introduction of a specific food during complementary feeding influences an infant’s gut bacteria and protects against infection. We are looking for 300 Auckland-based mums and babies who have not yet started eating solids to join a clinical trial that will investigate the potential health benefits of
a prebiotic-rich kūmara powder on baby's immunity and sleep. This resea
rch is funded by the High-Value Nutrition Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga National Science Challenge, involving researchers from the University of Auckland, AgResearch, Plant & Food, Malaghan Institute, Riddet Institute (Massey University), and the University of Otago. From around six months of age, 100 babies in the trial will receive a standard kūmara powder, 100 will get a kūmara powder with added resistant starch (prebiotic) from green bananas, and 100 babies will enter the control group (a standard diet with no additional kūmara). We will collect information on food intake, length and weight of your baby, sleep patterns, blood, and poo samples from babies at 4-5 months (before they start on solids), around 8 months and around 10 months. We will also collect poo and breast milk (if breastfeeding) samples, food intake and sleep details from the infant’s mothers. For more information or to register your interest in participating visit our website: www.thesunstudy.auckland.ac.nz
