Understanding Undernutrition, Gut Health, and Immunity in Bangladeshi Children
Undernutrition, microbiota maturation, and adaptive immunity in Bangladeshi children
This project explores how undernutrition affects gut health and the immune system in young children in Bangladesh, aiming to understand why they get sick more often.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Childhood undernutrition impacts millions globally, increasing the risk of severe infections. This project looks closely at how undernutrition affects a child's immune system and the helpful bacteria in their gut. Researchers are following children from birth in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to see how their gut bacteria develop and how this relates to their growth and ability to fight off illnesses. The goal is to uncover specific immune and gut health changes that make undernourished children more vulnerable, beyond what we currently understand.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on children from a specific birth cohort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, including those experiencing undernutrition and healthy children for comparison.
Not a fit: Patients outside of the specific birth cohort in Bangladesh or those not experiencing undernutrition would not directly benefit from participation in this particular project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing severe infections and improving the overall health of undernourished children around the world.
How similar studies have performed: While the general link between undernutrition and immune deficiency is recognized, this project employs advanced methods and a longitudinal approach to explore specific immune and gut microbiota mechanisms, offering a novel detailed perspective.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Benjamin — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Lee, Benjamin
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.