Research Keyword: malnutrition

Efficacy of prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic administration in improving growth in children aged 0–59 months living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This comprehensive review examined whether giving children special dietary supplements containing beneficial bacteria and their food sources (prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics) helps them grow better in low-income countries. The analysis of eight studies found that these supplements may help children gain weight, especially those who are malnourished, though the evidence remains limited. More research is needed to fully understand whether these supplements are truly effective for promoting healthy growth in young children.

Read More »

Psilocybin therapy and anorexia nervosa: a narrative review of safety considerations for researchers and clinicians

This review examines the safety of psilocybin therapy for treating anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder with limited treatment options. The authors analyze how psilocybin’s common side effects (like increased heart rate, nausea, and dizziness) interact with medical complications already present in people with anorexia. Based on early clinical trials, they conclude that psilocybin can be safely used in this population with proper medical screening and monitoring protocols tailored to their specific vulnerabilities.

Read More »

Suitability of maize crop residue fermented by Pleurotus ostreatus as feed for edible crickets: growth performance, micronutrient content, and iron bioavailability

Researchers tested whether crickets could be raised on inexpensive mushroom-fermented corn stalks as an alternative to costly grain feeds. While the fermented stalks made iron more absorbable by the human body, the crickets actually grew worse on this feed compared to unfermented stalks. The study suggests that combining mushroom and cricket farming, while theoretically appealing for sustainability, may not work well in practice due to poor cricket survival and growth on spent mushroom substrate.

Read More »

Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

This study found that the Ho indigenous people of India have access to hundreds of nutritious traditional foods but still experience widespread malnutrition. Even though their indigenous foods are rich in essential minerals and vitamins, factors like unpredictable rainfall, shift to growing only rice instead of diverse crops, and the availability of cheap processed foods in markets prevent people from using these nutritious foods. The research highlights the need to support traditional food systems and farming practices to improve both health and environmental sustainability in indigenous communities.

Read More »
Scroll to Top