Visit the:

Center for
Alcohol and
Addiction Studies

Kari J. Hamrick, PhD, RD
James Berner, MD (ANTHC)
Martina Lauterbach, RN (ANTHC)
Parul Christian, Dr.PH (JHSPH)
Mary Krevans, RN, MPH (YKHC)

In 2001, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium became a NARCH site, with support through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH) and the Indian Health Services. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium contracts with UAA to conduct this 4 year maternal nutrition project.

The main goal of this study is to evaluate the influence of maternal nutrition on pregnancy and infant outcomes in Alaska Native populations. This project is an addendum to the existing Maternal/Cord Blood Monitoring Program (MOMS study). A three-day food intake diary form, which includes the use of prenatal and other multivitamins and minerals, is completed during the first prenatal visit and again at the end of pregnancy. The diet results and medical record information (age, gestation length, weight gain, complications, infant length and weight, and head circumference) will be used to understand how diet is related to pregnancy and infant outcomes. Currently, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and the Aleutian/Pribilof Islands are participating in the study.

The Alaska Native Maternal Nutrition Project has completed a serum micronutrient analysis for 190 participants. The funding agency granted this project a one year extension to be completed by August 2006. Participant recruitment, dietary intake collection during the first prenatal visit and again at 34-36 weeks gestation, and nutrient profile analysis will continue through October 2005 to optimize sample size. An analysis of dietary data, feedback to individuals and communities, and statistical analyses will be completed in the spring and summer 2006.

Annual progress reports can be obtained by contacting the principal investigator. A final report will be available in September 2006 at ICHS.