Gut microbiota and childhood malnutrition: Understanding the link and exploring therapeutic interventions

Abstract

Childhood malnutrition is a metabolic condition that affects the physical and mental well‐being of children and leads to resultant disorders in maturity. The development of childhood malnutrition is influenced by a number of physiological and environmental factors including metabolic stress, infections, diet, genetic variables, and gut microbiota. The imbalanced gut microbiota is one of the main environmental risk factors that significantly influence host physiology and childhood malnutrition progression. In this review, we have evaluated the gut microbiota association with undernutrition and overnutrition in children, and then the quantitative and qualitative significance of gut dysbiosis in order to reveal the impact of gut microbiota modification using probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and engineering biology methods as new therapeutic challenges in the management of disturbed energy homeostasis. Understanding the host–microbiota interaction and the remote regulation of other organs and pathways by gut microbiota can improve the effectiveness of new therapeutic approaches and mitigate the negative consequences of childhood malnutrition.

Microbiome research for advancing engineering in life science

“…Tang et al delves into the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and the host epigenome in the context of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), shedding light on how microbial factors can modulate gene expression patterns associated with NAFLD pathogenesis [1]. Similarly, Zoghi et al investigate the association between gut dysbiosis and nutritional imbalances in children, underscoring the potential therapeutic avenues for modulating gut microbiota composition to restore energy homeostasis [2].…”

“…Similarly, Zoghi et al. investigate the association between gut dysbiosis and nutritional imbalances in children, underscoring the potential therapeutic avenues for modulating gut microbiota composition to restore energy homeostasis [ 2 ].…”

Herbal-based Nutraceuticals in Management of Lifestyle Diseases: Experience from Indian Population

“…Emerging research suggests that certain herbs may positively influence gut microbiota composition, potentially leading to improved health outcomes. 38 Studies have shown that certain herbs, such as turmeric, flaxseed, and chicory root, exhibit prebiotic properties, which are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics promote the growth and activity of bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, known for their positive effects on gut health and immune function.…”