How gut microbes, genes, and metabolism affect child growth and nutrition
Genomic and metabolomic foundations of human-microbial symbiosis in the gut
Testing a special complementary food that helps repair the gut microbiome to support healthier weight gain in undernourished young children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work tests a microbiota-directed complementary food (MDCF-2) designed to restore beneficial gut bacteria in undernourished children. Researchers ran randomized trials in Bangladesh comparing MDCF-2 to standard ready-to-use supplementary foods and tracked weight gain and growth measures. They also use genomic and metabolomic analyses plus animal experiments to identify the specific bacterial strains and metabolic pathways linked to improved growth. The goal is to link lab findings to real food interventions that help children recover from acute malnutrition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young children with moderate or severe acute malnutrition (typically under age 5, similar to the Bangladeshi trial populations) are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: Children without malnutrition or whose growth problems are caused mainly by non-gut issues or severe unrelated medical conditions may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help undernourished children gain weight, reduce stunting, and improve long-term physical and immune development by restoring healthy gut microbes.
How similar studies have performed: Yes — randomized trials of the MDCF-2 formulation in Bangladeshi children have already shown improved microbiota repair and accelerated weight gain compared with a standard supplement.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Jeffrey I — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Jeffrey I
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.