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Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Food Insecurity, Malnutrition, and the Microbiome
Vikram J Christian1, Keith R Miller2, Robert G Martindale3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Ave, East Building, 6th floor, MB657, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA. chri4793@umn.edu.
Food insecurity can disrupt eating patterns, potentially impacting intestinal microbes and leading to malnutrition. Further research into nutritional and microbial therapies is promising for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Food insecurity, defined as disrupted food intake due to resource limitations, has an unclear link with malnutrition.
- The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health and is increasingly recognized in malnutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging evidence on the relationship between food insecurity, malnutrition, and intestinal microbial alterations.
- To synthesize current understanding of how food insecurity impacts gut health and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating food insecurity, malnutrition, and the gut microbiome.
- Synthesis of findings from clinical and community-based research.
Main Results:
- Malnutrition is associated with alterations in the intestinal microbiome.
- These alterations may involve microbial immaturity, dysbiosis, or a combination of both.
- Emerging evidence links food insecurity to these intestinal microbial changes.
Conclusions:
- Targeted nutritional therapies combined with microbial interventions (probiotics, prebiotics) show promise for treating malnutrition.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between food insecurity, the microbiome, and malnutrition.
- Interdisciplinary approaches are essential for addressing malnutrition in affected populations.
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