In June 2018 the first infant was recruited into the Sophia SATURN clinical study.
The Sophia SATURN study (Study on infant Adiposity development To Understand the Role of early life Nutrition) is a randomized, controlled, double-blind investigator-initiated clinical trial.
Based on the natural fat globule structure of human milk, Danone Research & Innovation developed an innovative infant formula concept Nuturis® with large, phospholipid-coated lipid droplets more similar to those present in human milk.
The hypothesis is that, when compared to standard formula-fed infants, the Nuturis®-fed infants will show a body fat development pattern more similar to that of breastfed infants, potentially associated with a metabolic health benefit.
Background Sophia SATURN study
The early postnatal period is a critical window for the development and programming of various metabolic organs and tissues, including body fat. Increased body fatness in infancy can track into childhood and is associated with unfavorable metabolic health effects in later life. Infant nutrition can play an important role in this period. Breastfed infants have a different growth and body fat development pattern compared to formula-fed infants. This may be associated with the metabolic health benefits of breastfeeding in later life.
To learn more about the Sophia Saturn study click here
Sophia Pluto study cohort
The Sophia Saturn study is embedded in the Sophia Pluto study cohort. This cohort started January 2013 aiming to provide detailed data on longitudinal body fat development in early life and to identify the influencing factors. Children are recruited from several hospitals in and near Rotterdam in The Netherlands.
To learn more about the Sophia Pluto Cohort click here
Both studies are led by Prof. Dr. Anita Hokken-Koelega from the Sophia Children’s Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.