Abnormal Gut Integrity is Associated With Reduced Linear Growth in Rural Malawian Children. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, June 2012.
Weisz, Ariana J.; Manary, Micah J.; Stephenson, Kevin; Agapova, Sophia; Manary, Faith G.; Thakwalakwa, Chrissie; Shulman, Robert J.; Manary, Mark J.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of environmental enteropathy (EE), as measured by the dual sugar absorption test, to linear growth faltering in 2-5 year old Malawian children. Dietary quality, food insecurity, anthropometry and site-specific sugar testing were measured in 418 children, and anthropometry was reassessed 3 months later.
A linear regression model predicting linear growth was created. Better growth was associated with less urinary lactulose excretion, more clean water usage, not sleeping with animals, and no previous history of malnutrition. 87% of children studied demonstrated evidence of EE. In conclusion, abnormal gut integrity is associated with reduced linear growth in a population of rural African preschool-aged children.
