Keim Lab
Welcome!
The goal of our research is to improve the health and well-being of children, women, and their families. Our team studies how what happens before birth and early in life affect how children think, behave, and grow. Some of the early life events we focus on most include nutrition and breastfeeding. Some of our research involves children who were born prematurely or children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to help them grow and develop as healthy as possible. We do some clinical trials where we are testing a new way to help women or children be healthier, while for other studies we simply watch how children and their families live to learn ways to help others.
Inside Keim Lab
Our Research
The research lab of Dr. Sarah A. Keim conducts clinical research, including observational epidemiologic studies as well as clinical trials. We are interested in prenatal and early childhood influences on child growth and development. As the first six years of life are extremely critical, our studies explore the many environmental, social and individual factors within this time period.
We are particularly interested in one critical influence – good nutrition. Animal studies tell us that proper nutrition early in life is essential for healthy development and prevention of chronic disease in adulthood. However, evidence-based studies of human nutrition are still lacking in many ways. We explore how and what families feed infants, toddlers, and young children, to address this these knowledge gaps. We are also interested in the changing nature of breastfeeding in contemporary society and how early maternal nutrition choices may impact child growth.
Our work hopes to fill the gaps, to understand whether certain dietary interventions can help these children reach their best potential. We involve children who are 1-6 years old in our studies – a time when so many skills and abilities are emerging, yet it is also a time when many developmental disabilities and behavior problems are noticed. We hope our studies can influence medical and educational programs, to provide children and parents with the resources they need for healthy growth and development!
Funders
- The Allen Foundation
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Cures Within Reach
- Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
- March of Dimes
- The Marci and Bill Ingram Fund for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- American Diabetes Association
Join Our Team
To learn more or inquire about job opportunities, contact Andria Parrott, PhD at Andria.Parrott@nationwidechildrens.org.
Featured News
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) has chosen the Omega Tots study to be continued! A special thank you to the 375 families who helped us learn about how diet affects child development. The next phase of the study will help us learn how children are growing and developing, and whether the nutritional supplement from the original study has long‐lasting effects. Future study visits will include playing games, doing puzzles, and possibly collecting a small bit of saliva (spit) from children. If you participated in original Omega Tots study, you may be eligible for the new study when your child turns 8-9 years old! Please let us know if your contact information has changed so we can invite you for this exciting opportunity!
- Our research about human milk sharing is making an impact! At least three sets of clinical guidelines in the United States have been crafted or updated to reflect the published evidence from our research. Click on the articles at the bottom of the page to view the guidelines that our research has helped establish concerning human milk sharing.
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We looked into how grandparents who care for grandchildren are faring in terms of their mental health and managing parenting demands. Study funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Click on the article linked below and in “Current Studies” to see what we have learned!
Featured Publications
- Donor Human Milk for the High-Risk Infant: Preparation, Safety, and Usage Options in the United States
- Position statement regarding use of informally shared human milk
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s 2017 Position Statement on Informal Breast Milk Sharing for the Term Healthy Infant
- Mental health and parenting demands among grandparent caregivers of young U.S. children
Resources for Patients and Families
Our lab is located near the Magic Forest in the main hospital. Please park in the blue parking garage. Once you enter the lobby, we will meet you at the bunny statue! If you would like to meet us somewhere else, please call or text us to arrange a different location.
