Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-11 promotes height growth in 3- to 7-year-Old children with below-average height: A self-controlled clinical trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Short stature of children has captured extensive attention since it reflects the health status of children and affects physical and psychological health throughout children's life. Compelling evidences have revealed that gut microbiota plays a critical role in growth regulation through nutrient metabolism, inflammation modulation, and endocrine signaling. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-11 (BL-11) is a probiotic strain with potential benefits for gut health and metabolic function, but its effect on growth promotion in children with mild growth delay has not been fully explored.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BL-11 supplementation on height velocity (HV) and annual growth rate (AGR) in 3- to 7-year-old children with below-average height using a self-controlled clinical trial design over a 3-month intervention period.
METHODS
A total of 124 children aged 3-7 years with height in the 3rd to 25th percentiles (P3-P25) range and an AGR of <5 cm/year were enrolled. Each child received a daily dose of BL-11 for 3 months. Baseline height was measured before the intervention, and post-intervention height was recorded at the end of the 3-month period. The primary outcome was the change in HV and AGR and secondary outcomes included changes in height percentile.
RESULTS
After 3 months of BL-11 supplementation, the children showed a significant increase in HV, with a mean improvement of 2.23 cm/3-month (8.92 cm/year) compared to the…
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