Histoires de réussites

Putting the Gut Microbiota at the Centre of Malnutrition Research

Submitted by Dr. Paula Littlejohn, Ph.D., MHS, Lead, Clinical Research, Fraser Health Department of Evaluation and Research Services

For much of my research career, I have been interested in a simple, but fundamental question: why is replacing missing nutrients sometimes not enough to fully address malnutrition?

My PhD research examined micronutrient deficiencies and their effects on the developing gut microbiome, particularly in early life. That work led me to think about malnutrition not simply as a lack of, or excess nutrients, but as a complex condition in which the microorganisms living in our gut may also play an important role.

That thinking ultimately contributed to our recently published review, The gut microbiota in malnutrition, in Nature Reviews Microbiology 2026. In the review, my coauthors and I bring together evidence across undernutrition, overnutrition, the double burden of malnutrition, and disease related malnutrition. A consistent picture emerges: changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiota are closely intertwined with nutritional health and may help explain why the effects of malnutrition can persist even after nutritional interventions.

One of the most exciting implications is the possibility of looking beyond nutrients alone and considering whether restoring microbiota function could become part of future approaches to preventing or treating malnutrition.

Today, I work in clinical research at Fraser Health and contribute to the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force Pediatric Working Group. What continues to motivate me is the opportunity to connect research with real world health care. I have also been fortunate to connect with clinical colleagues within Fraser Health who share an interest in better understanding and addressing malnutrition in acute care settings. Malnutrition is complex, and addressing it will require bringing together nutrition science, microbiome research, clinical research, and health care practice.

For me, this publication represents both the culmination of many years of scientific interest in malnutrition and an opportunity to help move the conversation forward.
To read about my interview with Michael Smith Labs interview "Putting a Spotlight on Malnutrition in Canada", click here.

Image provided by Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Coulmbia