A recent study has revealed that targeting the gut microbiome could offer a groundbreaking approach to treating severe malnutrition in children.
Conducted in Bangladesh by Jeffrey Gordon from Washington University and Tahmeed Ahmed from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, the research focused on children between 12 and 18 months old suffering from severe malnutrition.
The children were given a supplement designed to enhance their gut microbiome using ingredients such as chickpea, banana, and peanut flour to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.
The study involved 124 severely malnourished children who had been admitted to hospitals. After initial treatment for infections, the children were split into two groups: one group received a microbiome-boosting supplement, while the other was treated with standard ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUFs).
The results showed that the children who received the microbiome-targeted supplement gained weight more quickly and exhibited higher levels of essential proteins critical for muscle, bone, and brain development.
Previous research had established that malnourished children typically have underdeveloped gut microbiomes, lacking the diversity of beneficial bacteria found in healthier children. The new study aims to restore this balance with targeted nutritional supplements, potentially leading to improved health and development in the long term.
This study could have far-reaching implications if confirmed on a larger scale.
The microbiome-directed method not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also offers long-term health benefits by improving gut health.
In light of the promising results, the World Health Organisation has launched trials across various countries to test the supplement’s effectiveness in diverse cultural and dietary settings. This innovative approach could significantly improve the way malnutrition is treated, potentially transforming the lives of millions of children globally.