Investigating how aflatoxin exposure affects child growth and gut health in Guatemala
Aflatoxin Exposure, Growth Faltering, and the Gut Microbiome among Children in Rural Guatemala
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 ID | NIH-10973192 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Children outside the specified age range or those not living in areas with high aflatoxin exposure may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Tempe, United States
- 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
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.