A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Iodine Supplementation In Pregnancy To Enhance Neurodevelopment In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,032,008.00
Summary
The mild iodine deficiency common among people living in South Eastern Australia is of sufficient concern for the government to order that all bread be fortified with low dose iodine. This fortification falls well short of the amount health workers think is required by pregnant women and this could prove harmful to their children. This trial will determine if a daily iodine tablet taken during pregnancy improves the development of children.
A Randomised Trial Of DHA In Pregnancy To Prevent Postnatal Depressive Symptoms And Enhance Neurodevelopment In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,649,000.00
Summary
Postnatal depression strikes 12-17% of women in the year after giving birth. Postnatal depression can result in emotional, behavioural and developmental problems in children. Although there are many complex psychological and social factors involved, supplementing the diet with an omega-3 fat called DHA has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Enriching diets with DHA has also been associated with improvements in visual and neural abilities of young infants. Normally, DHA is obtain ....Postnatal depression strikes 12-17% of women in the year after giving birth. Postnatal depression can result in emotional, behavioural and developmental problems in children. Although there are many complex psychological and social factors involved, supplementing the diet with an omega-3 fat called DHA has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Enriching diets with DHA has also been associated with improvements in visual and neural abilities of young infants. Normally, DHA is obtained through the mother's diet and is then passed onto the developing baby whilst in the womb. However, the amount of DHA that is delivered to the baby in pregnancy is high, and in most cases is far higher than most Australian mothers get in their diets. In this study we will test whether supplementing the diets of pregnant women with DHA results in women suffering less depressive symptoms and children with better development scores. If our study is successful, it will result in a simple and effective way to prevent postnatal depression and improve the developmental outcome of the children.Read moreRead less
Does Maternal Supplementation With N-3 Long-chain PUFA In Pregnancy Influence Cognitive Development In Childhood?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,676.00
Summary
During pregnancy, omega-3 fats (like those in fish) are deposited in the brain of the developing baby. Women get these fats from the diet but Australian women typically eat a diet low in fish. Because research has linked high fish intake in pregnancy with better IQ in children, omega-3 oils are included in some pregnancy supplements. However their effect on child development is not clear. This project will test whether taking fish oil while pregnant improves a child's IQ.
So Like Your Mum! Is The Health Of Mothers In Far North Queensland Reflected In The Nutrition And Growth Of Their Children In Early Life?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,631.00
Summary
The health, nutrition and growth of a baby reflect the health and nutrition status of its mother. We will link routine health service information for Indigenous mothers with information on the growth, haemoglobin and health of their young children to identify key factors in a mother’s pregnancy and before, influencing the future health and development of their babies. This study will shape interventions to improve the health of mothers, and thus improve the health of their children through life.
Creatine Supplementation In Pregnancy: Utilising Cells’ “Built-In” Energy Buffering System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Through pregnancy, the placenta transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby. When a placenta doesn’t function properly a baby’s health is compromised. This can lead to morbidity or death. Creatine is the “back-up generator” of all cells and could help the failing placenta increase nutrient and oxygen delivery to the baby. This study will develop creatine as a potential new therapeutic, to improve the survival of babies of complicated pregnancies.
Good nutrition is a vital element in a healthy start to life. Determining the correct foods to ensure that pregnant women meet both their needs as well as those of their new baby can be very confusing. Do I need to take iron supplements? How can I ensure I get enough iodine? This project will develop new methods for evaluating the effects of nutrients and to pass that information on to health practitioners so that Australian mothers will be in no doubt about the best diet for them and their chil ....Good nutrition is a vital element in a healthy start to life. Determining the correct foods to ensure that pregnant women meet both their needs as well as those of their new baby can be very confusing. Do I need to take iron supplements? How can I ensure I get enough iodine? This project will develop new methods for evaluating the effects of nutrients and to pass that information on to health practitioners so that Australian mothers will be in no doubt about the best diet for them and their children.Read moreRead less
Improving Nutrition And Health Outcomes For Women And Babies In The Aboriginal Family Birthing Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$975,882.00
Summary
Young Aboriginal women are more likely to have children when they are under 25 than other women in SA. They are also much more likely to be overweight or obese. Together these two characteristics have profound consequences for a woman's health and increased risks for poor birth outcomes. A novel package of culturally appropriate and intensive nutrition strategies, embedded in the SA Aboriginal Family Birthing Program will be developed and assessed to see its impact on women's and child health.
Identifying Opportunities To Improve Healthy Behaviours In Vulnerable Young People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Adolescence is a critical life stage where health behaviours are formed that have a lifelong impact. My work program focuses on understanding the impact of food insecurity, as well as the extent of food skills and other self-care capabilities in young people. I will also explore understandings of health and well-being among young Aboriginal women. Collectively this work will identify opportunities for interventions for this group that take into account their broader social environment.