This study, called MAGIC (Milk And Growth In Children), is looking at how different amounts of human milk feeding affect the growth of very preterm infants (babies born between 27 and 31 weeks of pregnancy). Researchers want to see if feeding 180-200 mL/kg/day of human milk (either from the mother or a donor) helps babies gain more fat-free mass (muscle and bone) compared to feeding 140-160 mL/kg/day. They will measure this at 36 weeks post menstrual age (the age the baby would be if born at full term) or when the baby leaves the hospital. To join, babies must be 6 hours to 4 days old, born between 27 and 31 weeks of pregnancy, weigh 1500 grams or less at birth, and be able to drink human milk. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status.

Study design

This is a randomized study, meaning participants are assigned by chance to one of two feeding groups. It plans to enroll 486 participants.

What's involved

Participants will receive one of two human milk feeding volumes until 34 weeks corrected age. They will have four body composition assessments, four stool samples collected, four maternal breastmilk samples collected, and one blood sample collected.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Parents have the option to complete a follow-up survey when their child is 2-3 years old.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.