For almost a century health-conscious parents have provided vitamin and mineral supplements to their children to ensure healthy development; however, if a new study is any indication, parents may soon consider probiotics the most important supplement.
According to the study, children who suffered from stunted growth had less diverse, and less stable, gut microbes compared to children who grew to normal ranges.
The study was conducted by researchers at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, in collaboration with scientists from Washington University and the University of California, San Diego. The results were published in Cell in September, 2025.
The findings suggest that the status of the gut microbiome likely influences whether a child reaches their expected height.
The researchers note that the study only shows an association; still it appears to answer a mystery that has perplexed scientists for years: Why do some children fail to grow as tall as they should even when food is readily available?
While scientists have long blamed malnutrition for causing the condition, the new study suggests that the current definition of malnutrition needs to be expanded.
Instead of recognizing malnutrition simply based on the intake of essential nutrients, a more comprehensive analysis would also include gut health.
This reasoning is certainly in line with the latest established science that gut health isn’t just linked to immune health—it is inextricably linked to all aspects of health.
Study details
While the study was small-scale in the number of subjects, the researchers made use of a powerful new technology tool: culture-independent meta-pangenomics.
Traditional microbiome studies often rely on short fragments of DNA—or on growing bacteria in the lab—methods that miss much of the microbial diversity and genetic information.
This new study, however, used long-read DNA sequencing to piece together nearly complete microbial genomes directly from stool samples.
In the end the researchers found a clear pattern: Children whose “height-for-age scores” declined over the study period had less stable microbial genomes than those who grew normally.
Put simply, the microbial communities in stunted children seemed to struggle and change more, while those in healthier children remained more stable. The researchers noted that these are conditions that could be addressed with probiotic (good bacteria) therapies.
It should be noted that childhood stunting is not just a matter of height. Stunting carries long-term consequences, including poorer cognitive development, reduced school performance, and lower economic productivity in adulthood. According to UNICEF, nearly 150 million children under five are stunted worldwide.
Gut health pandemic?
The 21st century is a challenging time for gut health, especially for children in their development years.
While genetics can make some children predisposed to more diverse (or healthier) gut microbiomes, all children today are subjected to environments that wreak havoc on their guts.
Every day exposure to thousands of chemicals can affect the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Numerous other factors also contribute to degradation: junk food consumption, pollution, stress, alcohol, prescription medications, lack of sleep, constant dehydration—all negatively affect the gut microbiome.
Addressing the challenge
Whether you’re a parent supporting the healthy growth of your child, or an adult wanting to fortify your own gut microbiome, there are ways to fight back against the daily assault on your gut health!
Besides limiting exposure to the habits that negatively impact the gut, a regular intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes provide the fiber that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut.
In addition, consuming fermented foods like traditional sauerkraut, kimchi or yogurt will add live cultures directly to the gut and will promote microbial diversity.
Getting adequate sleep and staying well-hydrated are also important steps.
Finally, supplement as needed—especially in times of stress and inflammation.
When considering a probiotic supplement, be sure to choose a quality product with multiple strains.
Optimal Flora Plus from Optimal Health Systems is packed with nine strains of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are stabilized and heat resistant to ensure proper transition and absorption. Click the banner ad on this page to learn more.
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Primary source: Cell.com.
