Researchers from India and the United States conducted a nine-month randomized controlled trial to assess the safety of iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet for toddlers' gut health. The study took place in Mumbai's urban slums and enrolled children aged 12 to 18 months at baseline.
The trial compared children consuming biofortified pearl millet with those consuming conventional pearl millet. Researchers measured gut microbiota composition, intestinal inflammation markers, and micronutrient status throughout the intervention period.
Results showed no significant differences in gut microbiota diversity or composition between the two groups. Markers of intestinal inflammation, including fecal calprotectin and myeloperoxidase, remained similar across both groups over the nine months.
Children consuming the biofortified variety maintained adequate iron and zinc status, with no increase in adverse gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation reported. The fortified millet provided approximately 60% of the estimated average requirement for iron and 40% for zinc.
The study addresses a key concern in micronutrient fortification programs: whether increased iron intake might promote pathogenic gut bacteria or trigger inflammation in young children. Previous research has suggested excess iron could disrupt developing gut microbiota.
Pearl millet is a staple crop in many semi-arid regions of India and Africa, making it a practical vehicle for delivering essential micronutrients to vulnerable populations. The biofortified variety was developed through conventional breeding to increase mineral content.
Researchers noted the trial's urban slum setting provided relevant real-world conditions where malnutrition and enteric infections are common. The findings support the safety of scaling up biofortified pearl millet in similar contexts.
The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, though the specific publication was not identified in the source material. Limitations include the relatively short duration and the specific age group studied, which may not generalize to younger infants or older children.
Millet fortified with iron, zinc does not harm toddlers’ gut health, study finds
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