The purpose of this study is to determine whether a difference exists in the gut, oral, vaginal and human milk microbiome of under-nourished pregnant women as compared to healthy and obese pregnant women. In addition, the investigators are setting out to determine if a micronutrient enriched probiotic yogurt can improve the microbiome and pregnancy outcomes of under-nourished pregnant women.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
77
Nyerere Dispensary
Buswelu, Tanzania
Characterization of gut, oral, vaginal and human milk microbiomes
Fecal, oral and vaginal samples were collected on a monthly basis for an average of four months. Human milk samples were collected twice; at birth and one week after. Microbial DNA will be extracted with the MoBio PowerSoil 96-well htp kit. Samples will be sequenced and changes determined by 16s rRNA profiling.
Time frame: Monthly for an average of four months
Assessment of 48-hour Dietary Recalls
Dietary recalls will be assessed for average daily caloric, protein, carbohydrate, fat, calcium, iron, zinc, folate and vitamin intake using ESHA Food Processor SQL software.
Time frame: Monthly on average for four months
Changes in body toxin levels
Body toxin levels (metals, pesticides) by HR-SF-ICP-MS and GC/MS
Time frame: Before and after intervention (approximately 100 days)
Changes in blood nutrient levels
Blood nutrient levels (vitamins, macro and micr-nutrients) will be assessed by HPLC, colorimetric Biuret, chemiluminescence and HR-SF-ICP-MS
Time frame: before, half-way through and after intervention (approximately 100 days)
Analysis of anthropometric measurements
Changes in weight gain, mid-upper arm circumference and hemoglobin levels will be examined and changes will be linked to intervention and non-intervention via statistical analysis.
Time frame: Monthly on average for four months
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