Our research focuses on maternal and child nutrition across critical developmental periods, with a focus on micronutrient requirements from pregnancy through childhood. Our primary emphasis is on vitamin D adequacy and its implications for health outcomes, with research designed to inform nutrition policy and clinical practice guidelines. Approaches include secondary analyses of large U.S. pregnancy cohorts, observational studies, and clinical trials.
Now Recruiting: Postpartum Women for a Research Study
We currently enrolling participants for a research study focused on postpartum nutrition and maternal wellbeing. We are investigating whether a postpartum-specific multivitamin–mineral (MVM) supplement can support maternal health during the early postpartum period (approximately 4 weeks after delivery).
Participation includes:
- Two in-person study visits at the CTRU University of Georgia, Athens (baseline and 12 weeks)
- Two brief follow-up phone calls at weeks 4 and 8 with study staff
Eligible participants: Healthy women approximately 4 weeks postpartum.
Interested in learning more or checking eligibility? Follow this link to see if you qualify.
Current Research Projects
Vitamin D Metabolism in Pregnancy
Maternal vitamin D status is an important predictor of infant status however, no scientific consensus exists on the amount of vitamin D supplementation needed during pregnancy. Women with excess obesity, and those with darker skin may have higher requirements. Using data from two pregnancy cohorts collected at the Arkansans Children’s Nutrition Center our current work examines differences in pregnancy-related changes in vitamin D metabolism among obesity-affected vs. healthy weight pregnancies. It will also explore how vitamin D status in pregnancy relates to offspring bone health. This study will help guide future work on the appropriate amount of vitamin D supplmentation needed in pregnancy.
Funding: NIH, 1R21HD116002-01A1
Micronutrient Requirements in the Postpartum Period
Little is known about nutrient requirements during the postnatal period. Specifically, micronutrient deficiencies which can arise from inadequate intake or absorption of minerals and vitamins which can affect the mother and healthy growth of her offspring. Further, essential nutrients transfer to breastmilk and can affect infant development. Dietary guidance on the continuation of multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplementation during the postpartum period is unclear. Our work is testing the effectiveness of a postpartum MVM supplement designed for the postpartum period to improve nutrition and health as compared to a placebo-control supplement.
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07303595
