The Fomon Infant Nutrition Unit of the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has been conducting nutrition studies of normal and premature infants for almost 50 years.  The unit is committed to the improvement of the nutritional management of infants through scientific investigation and education. Manufacturers of infant formulas often rely on studies conducted in our unit as a basis for formula modifications. The unit trains pediatricians and nutritionists from around the world in pediatric research.

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 of breast-fed infants. Recently a major focus has been on vitamin D, especially the need for vitamin D by breastfed infants. Other nutrition studies involving infants fed formula focus on tolerance, growth, and body composition.

Ekhard Ziegler, MD, professor of pediatrics, is the primary investigator of the studies.

All studies conducted by the unit are reviewed and approved by the University of Iowa Institutional Review Board or the Western Institutional Review Board.

Who is eligible?

Normal, healthy breastfed or formula fed infants.

When can I enroll my infant?

Some studies require enrollment by zero to nine days of age. Others start at one month of age or older.

What do the studies require?

Participation in a nutritional study is voluntary. The breastfeeding studies and formula studies are conducted on an outpatient basis. Most studies involve infant weight and length measurements.  Some studies may involve the obtaining of blood samples.

Is there compensation?

Compensation may consist of formula, diapers, gift cards or money.

Where is the Fomon Infant Nutrition Unit?

The unit is located on the Oakdale Campus (Room A143; 2501 Crosspark Road) in Coralville.  Satellite clinics are in Cedar Rapids (1035 3rd Avenue) and Davenport (1140 E. Kimberly).  There is complimentary parking directly outside each location. 

To get to the UI Hospitals and Clinics Oakdale location, go north on Highway 965 from Coralville and turn right on Oakdale Blvd. at the Oakdale Campus entrance. Turn left on Crosspark Rd. We are located in Suite A of the Multi-Tenant Facility (silver building).

How do I enroll my infant or get further information?

For information about our current nutritional studies, please contact Janice Jeter using the information below:

Telephone:  319-335-4936
Toll Free:  866-778-5818
Fax:  319-335-4856
E-mail:  janice-jeter@uiowa.edu or ekhard-ziegler@uiowa.edu