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Canada Welcomes First Infant Metabolism Lab
4 Apr
Summary
- New infant metabolic chamber measures metabolism from Day 1.
- This specialized equipment is the first of its kind in Canada.
- Research will explore nutrition, gut health, and early life outcomes.
A pioneering infant metabolic chamber has been introduced at the University of New Brunswick's Pediatric Health and Development Studies (PEADS) Laboratory. This state-of-the-art equipment, the first of its kind in Canada, enables researchers to accurately measure an infant's metabolism starting from their very first day.
Developed in collaboration with Sable Systems International, the chamber is specifically designed for infants and includes features for parental interaction. This advancement addresses prior technological limitations, allowing for more efficient and insightful research into infant metabolism. The PEADS lab aims to deepen understanding of how nutrition, metabolism, and gut health interact in early life.
Dr. Maryam Kebbe, an associate kinesiology professor, highlighted that metabolism peaks early in life, around one year of age. The new chamber will facilitate studies on how breastfeeding, formula, or a combination affects metabolic rates. Researchers also aim to determine if early metabolic health influences later outcomes like obesity or metabolic diseases, recognizing that many conditions can begin even before birth.
With this unique technology, the PEADS lab plans to collaborate with national and international researchers to address numerous questions about infant development. The chamber arrived in early 2026, and the next phase involves commencing studies with infant participants, drawing on the New Brunswick community's strong interest in contributing to maternal and child health research.
