THE B-BABIES STUDY: An Observational Study of Group B Vitamins in Preterm Infants (NCT07163962) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
THE B-BABIES STUDY: An Observational Study of Group B Vitamins in Preterm Infants
United Kingdom40 participantsStarted 2025-09-01
Plain-language summary
Infancy may be associated with a risk of micronutrient depletion due to the high demands of rapid growth. This is particularly true when preterm birth occurs, as the period before term exhibits the highest rate of bodily growth across the lifespan. Folate and vitamin B12 are essential in development, and preterm infants may be particularly susceptible to deficiencies. This is the result of a combination of low stores and high requirements for fast growth and rapid red blood cell production in the context of multifactorial anaemia of prematurity. Micronutrient supply, including vitamin B12 and folate, is delivered through nutritional support, in the shape of parenteral nutrition, fortification of human milk of use of artificial formula. Most of this supplementation will be interrupted by the time the infant is getting ready for discharge home. The investigators previously reported high levels of serum folate in preterm infants at the time of discharge home and in early infancy, but there are no contemporary studies investigating the vitamin B12/folate status in this population. The investigators aim to investigate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in preterm infants at the time of discharge home.
Who can participate
Age range
28 Days
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Gestational age at birth \<37 weeks.
* Admission to one of the participating units.
* Full enteral milk feeds established by suck/nasogastric tube
Exclusion Criteria:
* Known or suspected chromosomal, genetic or metabolic abnormalities.
* Major congenital malformations
* Any intercurrent condition that precludes implementation of standard feeding protocols and requires specialized formulas or changes in standard vitamin supplementation.
* Any intercurrent condition that will interfere with the interpretation of results (renal impairment and hypothyroidism can lead to elevated tHcy and MMA, for example).
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Prevalence of biochemical vitamin B12 deficiency
Timeframe: between 34 and 44 weeks postmenstrual age, at the time of hospital discharge
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07163962
SponsorNorfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust