A new study suggests that harmful gut bacteria associated with environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) – a condition linked to malnutrition and stunted growth – may be passed from mothers to their children. In mouse models, researchers found that specific bacteria triggered intestinal inflammation, impaired nutrient absorption, and affected growth, with some effects beginning even before birth. One bacterial species, Campylobacter concisus, emerged as a key contributor when acting alongside other microbes. The findings highlight the potential of targeting harmful gut bacteria during pregnancy to break the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition and improve children’s lifelong health.
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