A: We’re currently accept infants from southeastern Michigan who were

a) born prior to 37 weeks and/or at less than 2500g (5 lbs, 8 oz);

b) who are less than one year of age at time of enrollment into the study; and

c) who’ve been released from hospital care.

A: Yes, but we can’t offer the same level of support services and your family’s pediatrician would have to be very involved. You can e-mail us at (link) for more details.

A: Yes, as long as your child was born prior to 37 weeks/<2500g (5 lbs, 8 oz), is less than one year of age at time of entrance into the study, and has been released from hospital care.

A: At this time, only children who are less than one year of “actual” age at the time of enrollment into the study are being accepted.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

A: Participation in this study will not cure brain damage, repair birth defects, or fight infection.

A: Yes. The supplements used in this study are intended to be an “addition” to your baby’s normal health care. Babies without a pediatrician will not be accepted into the study.

A: Our study participants pay nothing. All support services and products are provided to them free.

A: The Preemie Growth Project is a non-profit organization funded by private charitable donations. You can help by donating here: (link)

A: No.

A: We use two different products, and we aren’t releasing the names of the products until the study is complete.

A: We’re not “advertising” for either of the companies providing the products for this study, nor do we want someone to simply read about it on the web, and then possibly use incorrect dosages, or not follow all of the safety steps the parents in our program are using.

A: Yes, but they sign a confidentiality agreement.

A: We have limited resources, but will do our best to assist participants in emergency situations on a case-by-case basis with supplies, but cannot assist with finances.

A: At this time, our limited resources are directed toward assisting our participants.

A: You can donate (create link to donations page). If you are in southeastern Michigan, you can fill out a volunteer application (create link to volunteer page). And we also very much appreciate prayer support.

A: Please send us a message at (e-mail address) and we will gratefully make arrangements to get it to someone who needs it.

A: We are organized under law as a Michigan non-profit and qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; HOWEVER, we are currently waiting word from them that they agree with us on this designation, and until then, please assume your gift is a “non-tax deductible” gift.

A: Our goal is 200 in 2010, and 1,000 by the end of 2012.

A: A decrease in infant mortality rates, and faster than expected achievement of growth and developmental milestones.

A: Yes. This study builds on already established research. You can view some of it here (create link to page)

A: Yes. The current name of the study is “The Effects of Trace Mineral Supplemenation on the Growth of the Premature Neonate.”

A: Between three and five years. Each child entered into the study will be followed for 36 months, which is why there is a range of time.

A: No, the compounds being used are "over the counter supplements" and as such, not under the governance of the FDA. Appropriate documentation as to content via essay has been obtained from each company providing product.

A: To determine if there are any measurable differences in results between each of them and the control group; also, one is "trace minerals only" while the other is "trace minerals plus a little extra."

A: Weight, Length, Head Circumference; also, standard developmental milestone checklist, with medical history (ongoing/updated); all assessments to be performed by either home visiting pediatric nurses -or- filled out by the participant's pediatrician during weeks when infant sees pediatrician; schedule: once a week for 16 weeks; bi-weekly for 2-4 months (depending on age at entrance into study); once a month thereafter for a total of 36 months

A: No. This is a "pilot/preliminary" study to determine if this nutritional approach (based on pg 631 of the Textbook of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, among other sources) can duplicate the results experienced by the twins.

A: Target dates are to begin participant recruitment in December, 2009/January, 2010.

A: Preemie parents struggle with being out of control; in our study, we let the parents pick which cohort they wish to join, and we support them in their decisions.

A: Credentialed professionals can access our data by completing an application here: (create link to application page for professionals). Please note access will be restricted at certain times while we are updating data/being reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board.

A: Fill out an application at (create link). We know you are under a great deal of stress, and will do our best to answer your questions promptly.

A: Yes, we do. You can sign up for it here: (create link to mailing list sign-up page)