Tran, Hao

Abstract

Background

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), characterized by altered intestinal permeability/inflammation, microbial translocation, and systemic inflammation (SI), may be a significant contributor to micronutrient deficiencies and poor growth in infants from low-resource settings.

Objective

We examined associations among EED, SI, growth, and iron status at 6 mo of age.

Methods

Subgroup analysis of infants participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial received daily oral supplementation of zinc, multivitamins, zinc + multivitamins, or placebo for 18 months starting at 6 weeks of age.

Adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stunting at birth, have long-term health implications. The relation between adverse birth outcomes and chronic, asymptomatic gastrointestinal inflammation (environmental enteric dysfunction—EED) is poorly understood.