Microbiome Instability and Its Impact on Child Growth

Malnutrition remains a leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide, with approximately 150 million children under the age of 5 experiencing stunted growth due to insufficient nutrition. While poor diet is a significant factor, recent research highlights the crucial role of gut microbiome health in child development. Studies conducted over the past decade at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have demonstrated that dysfunctional gut microbial communities play a pivotal role in malnutrition.

In collaborative efforts with the Salk Institute and UC San Diego, researchers have focused on children in Malawi—a region severely affected by malnutrition and stunting. Their findings reveal that toddlers with a fluctuating or unstable gut microbiome tend to exhibit poorer growth compared to peers whose gut microbial populations remain stable. This suggests that gut microbiome stability may be vital for supporting healthy growth in children, especially in high-risk environments.

The research team used advanced long-read sequencing techniques to analyze fecal samples collected over nearly a year from eight children. They reconstructed complete microbial genomes, creating a comprehensive microbial genome library that supports further investigation into how specific microbes influence growth and development. This unique library contains detailed genetic profiles of nearly 1,000 microbes and can help in developing targeted strategies to prevent and treat malnutrition.

Historically, interventions like high-calorie, nutrient-rich therapeutic foods have helped treat severe acute malnutrition. However, children who recover face ongoing issues with metabolism, immune function, bone development, and brain growth. The researchers believe that understanding microbiome dynamics could offer new avenues to improve long-term outcomes.

Overall, maintaining a stable gut microbiome appears connected to better growth outcomes in children at risk of undernutrition. Such insights pave the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that focus on microbiome health, potentially transforming child nutrition strategies globally.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-microbiome-instability-linked-poor-growth.html