Missing gut microbes linked to childhood malnutrition

Gut check suggests possible treatments for kids with deficient diets

mice and microbes

MICROBES MATTER  Bacteria living in the gut are essential for young animals’ growth. Mice with these bacteria (left) grow bigger than mice lacking the bacteria (right). 

Vincent Moncorgé

In children suffering from malnutrition, the right mix of microbes might be what’s missing.