Assessment of aflatoxin exposure, growth faltering and the gut microbiome among children in rural Guatemala: protocol for an observational prospective cohort and bioreactor simulations.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogen produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus which grow on maize. Given the high prevalence of child stunting (ie, impaired growth) and other nutritional disorders in low-income and middle-income countries, where maize is consumed, the role of aflatoxin exposure may be significant. Observational reports have demonstrated associations between aflatoxin exposure and impaired child growth; however, most have been cross-sectional and have not assessed seasonal variations in aflatoxin, food preparation and dynamic changes in growth. Biological mechanistic data on how aflatoxin may exert an impact on child growth is missing. This study incorporates a prospective cohort of children from rural Guatemala to assess

SUBMITTER: Cheng Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10124301 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature