Investigating how aflatoxin exposure affects child growth and gut health in Guatemala
Official title: Aflatoxin Exposure, Growth Faltering, and the Gut Microbiome among Children in Rural Guatemala
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10973192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a harmful substance found in corn affects the growth and gut health of children in rural Guatemala, and it aims to help us understand how these toxins can impact kids' overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $304,984 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 6 to 27 months living in rural Guatemala who are at risk of aflatoxin exposure and growth faltering.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the specified age range or those not living in areas with high aflatoxin exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of aflatoxin B1, a carcinogen found in maize, on the growth and gut microbiome of children in rural Guatemala. By following a group of children over time, the study will assess how exposure to aflatoxin correlates with growth faltering and changes in gut health. The researchers will measure aflatoxin levels in the children's blood and analyze their dietary habits, while also exploring the biological mechanisms behind these effects using advanced laboratory techniques. This comprehensive approach aims to provide insights into the relationship between environmental toxins and child health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved nutritional strategies and interventions to enhance child growth and health in regions affected by aflatoxin exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated associations between aflatoxin exposure and child growth, but this study aims to provide more detailed insights through a longitudinal approach, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa
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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.