New Study Looks At Calcium Absorption In Infants

Dr. Steven Abrams, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a neonatologist at Texas Children's Hospital, is heading a study that will look at calcium absorption in infants from birth to 2 months of age.

Abrams, who studies calcium and bone metabolism at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Resource Center, says adequate calcium intake levels set by the National Academy of Sciences are 210 milligrams per day for infants up to 6 months and 270 milligrams per day between 6 and 12 months. The intake levels are based on the usual intake of breast-fed infants.

The study requires three visits to the CNRC for formula-fed infants and four visits for breast fed infants, each including one overnight visit at the Clinical Research Center at Texas Children's Hospital. Breastfeeding mothers will receive free use of an electric breast pump; mothers of formula fed infants will receive free formula. Mothers may enroll before or after delivery.

Participants will receive a $100 gift card to Target upon completion of the overnight stay and a $50 check by mail. Breastfed participants will receive a $30 check after completion of the fourth visit.

For more information or to enroll in the study, contact Penni Hicks at 713-798-7166 or pennih@bcm.tmc.edu