Maternal Intake of Eggs and Infant Neurodevelopment (MIND Study)

Are you pregnant? Help us learn how nutrition supports baby’s brain development

The University of Kansas Medical Center is recruiting pregnant individuals to participate in the Maternal Intake of Eggs and Infant Neurodevelopment (MIND) Study. This research study is exploring how nutrition during pregnancy—specifically egg consumption—may influence early-brain development in babies.

Who can participate?

You may be eligible if you meet the following:

• Are 12–20 weeks pregnant.
• Are receiving prenatal care.
• Are willing to follow prenatal nutrition guidance and complete study visits.

What does participation involve?

• Assignment to one of two prenatal nutrition groups (by chance).
• Up to 3 study visits:
  • Visit 1: Between 12 and 20 weeks gestation.
  • Visti 2: Around 36 weeks gestation.
  • Visit 3: Around 1 month postpartum.
• Brief diet surveys and weekly egg intake tracking.
• Non-invasive assessments of fetal and infant heart rate and infant brain activity (EEG).

Time commitment

Participation lasts about 7 months, from mid-pregnancy to 1 month postpartum.

Compensation

• Up to $150 for completing all study visits and surveys.
• Participants assigned to the egg group receive $20/month to help cover egg costs.

Why participate?

While there may be no direct benefit to you, your participation will help researchers improve nutrition recommendations during pregnancy to support infant brain development.

👉 Interested in learning more or seeing if you qualify?
Contact the study team at the University of Kansas Medical Center at 913-945-9149 or complete an interest form.

INTEREST FORM

DHA Food Frequency Questionnaire in WIC (Women, Infants, Children)

We are currently implementing a questionnaire in WIC clinics throughout the state of Kansas to gauge DHA consumption before pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

This quick seven-item questionnaire asks about consumption of DHA-rich foods and supplements to get an average intake amount of DHA per day. The questionnaire gives feedback if they should consider supplementation and will help us understand current DHA intake among women throughout the state of Kansas.

DHA Food Frequency Questionnaire at KU Medical Center

The DHA food frequency questionnaire has recently been implemented in the KU Medical Center OBGYN clinic’s EMR as part of their standard of care to gauge DHA consumption during pregnancy.

This quick seven-item questionnaire asks about consumption of DHA-rich foods and supplements to get an average intake amount of DHA per day. The questionnaire provides current DHA intake in real time for pregnant women and gives feedback as to whether they should consider supplementation. The provider and patient can then have a discussion about improving DHA intake through the diet and/or supplement recommendations.

As we have previously seen that DHA supplementation can reduce preterm birth, we are also harnessing this data to also look at rates of preterm birth at KU Medical Center given daily DHA intake.

If you are interested in discovering your own DHA intake, you can take this short survey to assess how much DHA you are consuming!

DHA Food Frequency Questionnaire