Using rice bran in therapeutic foods to treat childhood malnutrition

Rice bran in ready-to-use therapeutic foods for microbiota-targeted treatment of childhood malnutrition

NIH-funded research Colorado State University · NIH-10750478

This study is looking at how adding rice bran to special foods for kids with severe malnutrition can help them get better by improving their gut health and reducing the chances of getting sick again.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColorado State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Collins, United States)
Project IDNIH-10750478 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of rice bran in ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) to improve treatment outcomes for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The study focuses on how rice bran, which is rich in prebiotics, can positively influence gut health and microbiota during recovery from malnutrition. By conducting a double-blinded, randomized control trial, the research aims to assess the effectiveness of this innovative approach in enhancing gut microbiome health and reducing the risk of infection and relapse in malnourished children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.

Not a fit: Patients who are not suffering from severe acute malnutrition or are older than 11 years may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and long-term health outcomes for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with prebiotic-rich foods in improving gut health, making this approach a potentially valuable advancement in malnutrition treatment.

Where this research is happening

Fort Collins, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.