Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
Sci Transl Med. 2012 Jun 6;4(137):137ps12. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004347.
Childhood malnutrition is a global health problem that cannot be attributed to food insecurity alone. The gut microbiota may contribute to this devastating health disorder. In this Perspective, we call for the application of tools and concepts emerging from studies of the human gut microbiota to better understand the nutritional needs of infants and children and the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of undernutrition. This effort will require elucidation of the interrelationships between breast milk composition and the development of the microbiota and immune system in the context of the maternal-infant dyad.
儿童期营养不良是一个全球性的健康问题，不能仅仅归因于粮食不安全。肠道微生物组可能促成这种严重的健康失调。在本观点中，我们呼吁应用从人类肠道微生物组研究中出现的工具和概念，以更好地了解婴儿和儿童的营养需求以及微生物组在营养不良发病机制和治疗中的作用。这一努力将需要阐明在母婴对子的背景下，母乳成分与微生物组和免疫系统发育之间的相互关系。
