Gut Microbes at Root of Severe Malnutrition in Kids (IMAGE)

WashU Medicine

Gut Microbes at Root of Severe Malnutrition in Kids

Caption

A study of young twins living in Malawi shows that severe malnutrition is triggered by more than poor nutrition. The bacteria that live in the intestine also play a key role. The standard treatment, a peanut-butter-based, high-nutrient food, may not fully repair dysfunctional gut microbes, leaving children at risk for malnourishment and death when the food is discontinued. The twins above are eating the therapeutic food.

Credit

Indi Trehan, M.D., Washington University

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