Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have revealed that giving antibiotics to severely malnourished children can positively reshape the gut microbiome and speed up both growth and the accumulation of muscle. The findings appear in Lancet Microbe, a journal known for publishing rigorous microbiology and global health research.
Malnutrition remains a leading killer in low- and middle-income nations, claiming roughly half a million young lives each year. In a new trial, investigators demonstrated that a short course of antibiotic therapy, when paired with peanut butter–based therapeutic foods, can be an effective approach to treating severe acute malnutrition in children. The combination targets the gut ecosystem while delivering essential nutrition that promotes recovery and resilience.
To understand how the gut responds, researchers analyzed stool samples from 161 Nigerian children with severe malnutrition. About half received a seven‑day course of amoxicillin, while the rest received a placebo. All participants were provided therapeutic foods rich in peanut butter to support caloric intake and nutrient delivery.
Two years after the intervention, the group that received antibiotics showed a more diverse and richer gut microbiome than the placebo group. In fact, the microbial profile in those treated with amoxicillin resembled that of healthy peers of the same age, suggesting a normalization of the gut community along with improved growth patterns and increased muscle mass.
Public health experts worry about the potential spread of antibiotic resistance. Yet the study authors argue that the long‑term health benefits of correcting severe malnutrition may surpass the short‑term risks. The team found a brief rise in resistance genes immediately after treatment, but these genes returned to baseline within three weeks, indicating a temporary shift rather than a lasting problem for the children or their communities.
The researchers emphasize that antibiotics should not be the sole strategy. They advocate for careful monitoring of treated children for any signs of drug‑resistant infections, particularly in the weeks immediately following therapy. They also call for continued investment in microbiome‑friendly treatments and nutrition programs that support sustainable recovery in malnourished populations.
A food additive once derived from potato starch is cited as an example of ongoing advances in supportive care that can help improve survival rates for vulnerable patients, including those undergoing intensive medical treatments. The overarching goal remains clear: to harness microbial science and nutritional science together, delivering safer, more effective interventions that reduce mortality and improve long‑term health outcomes for children in resource‑limited settings.