Gut microbial diversity impacts carbohydrate fermentation by children with severe acute malnutrition

iScience 2026 Open access

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Authors: Akshay Bisht, Jennifer H. Ahn‐Jarvis, Kendall R. Corbin, Suzanne Harris, Perla Troncoso-Rey, Peter Olupot-Olupot, Nuala DM Calder, Kevin Walsh, Kathryn Maitland, Gary Frost, Frederick J. Warren
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.114640
Cited by: 1
References: 67

Abstract

, a widely used prebiotic, is attributed to low microbial diversity, enriched with Proteobacteria. Stool samples obtained after partial anthropometric recovery showed increased microbial diversity and higher levels of GH32 enzyme family, responsible for inulin metabolism. These findings can inform the design of future therapeutic feeds for the treatment of SAM, where inulin has been found ineffective during initial hospitalization. Alternative carbohydrates appear to be more effective in supporting gut recovery during both the initial and later treatment phases.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Child Nutrition and Water Access Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues Infant Nutrition and Health

Publication details

Journal / source
iScience
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
29
Issue
2
Pages
114640–114640
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN