The Unit consists of the Lora N. Thomas Metabolism Ward with
satellite research sites in Cedar Rapids and Davenport, the
Pediatric Nutrition Laboratory, a Data Management Office and
an Administrative Office.
Research
Pediatric nutrition research has been active at the
University of Iowa since 1917. The research of the Unit is
mainly focused on nutrition and growth of term and preterm
infants. Particular attention is paid to iron in studies
concerning iron absorption by normal infants, iron nutrition
of breast-fed infants and the role of iron in anemia of
prematurity. Another focus of research has been protein,
where a series of studies have addressed the protein
requirements of term as well as premature infants, the
ability of isolated soy protein to meet the protein needs of
normal infants, and the beneficial effects of higher protein
intakes on the anemia of prematurity. The physical growth of
infants and the body composition of the fetus, the infant
and the child have been investigated. Cow milk-provoked
intestinal blood loss has been studied thoroughly and the
significance of the potential renal solute load in relation
to water balance have been addressed repeatedly. The
metabolism of zinc, the absorption and excretion of
fluoride, as well as the metabolism of and the requirements
for carnitine in infants and children have been
investigated. Finally, the exploration of possible long-term
effects of dietary influences during infancy has been
approached in a ground-breaking follow-up study of young
adults who as infants had been fed soy formulas or
milk-based formulas as participants in studies conducted by
the Fomon Unit.
Clinical Trials
One of the missions of the Unit is to collaborate with
industry in nutritional and other studies. The Unit is
well-equipped and has many years of experience in conducting
clinical trials. (Contact jean-drulis@uiowa.edu
or ekhard-ziegler@uiowa.edu.)
Postdoctoral Training
A 2-year program is offered for those who desire
nutrition research training. It is possible to combine
nutrition training with the 3-year programs in
gastroenterology or neonatology. The primary emphasis of the
traineeship is to develop expertise in experimental design
for human nutrition investigation and in protocol
preparation for such studies.
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