Improving vitamin supplementation of preterm babies

This project will investigate factors influencing the delivery, availability and optimisation of vitamin formulations used in nutritional therapies for very preterm infants. The work may include laboratory-based studies examining vitamin concentrations in nutritional products and biological samples, as well as contributing to the development and evaluation of novel nutritional formulations for neonatal care.

Very preterm infants routinely receive vitamins as part of their nutritional management. However, important questions remain regarding the delivery and optimal composition of vitamins during neonatal care. Understanding these factors is essential to ensure nutritional therapies achieve their intended effects and support optimal growth, development and health outcomes.

This project is part of a Health Research Council of New Zealand programme grant and will build on ongoing work investigating neonatal vitamin intake. Using a combination of laboratory, translational and clinical research approaches, the student will investigate factors influencing vitamin delivery and availability and contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative nutritional solutions designed for preterm infants.

The project will provide training in laboratory and clinical research methods, with opportunities to work closely with clinicians, nutrition researchers, analytical scientists and industry partners. The student will gain experience in advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry, and contribute to research with potential to directly influence neonatal nutritional practice and product development.

Objectives of the research programme within which this PhD will be embedded include:

• To investigate factors influencing the delivery, stability and availability of vitamin formulations used in neonatal nutritional therapies;
• To quantify vitamin concentrations in nutritional products and biological samples using advanced analytical techniques;
• To contribute to the development and evaluation of novel nutritional formulations and supplementation strategies for preterm infants;
• To test these formulations and strategies in preterm infants, and
• To generate evidence that informs future neonatal nutrition research, clinical practice and product development.
  

Candidates must meet the entry criteria for a doctoral degree at the University of Auckland.

Candidates should have an interest in neonatal health, nutrition, analytical chemistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, physiology, clinical research or translational health research. Experience in, or enthusiasm for developing skills in, laboratory-based research, mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques would be advantageous. Previous laboratory experience and/or clinical experience would be beneficial, particularly in neonatal dietetics, nursing, paediatrics, pharmacy, neonatology, nutrition or related health disciplines.

This research project has a fully funded scholarship as part of an HRC Programme Grant.

For additional information about the Liggins Institute application process, visit: How to apply

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