Childhood growth trajectory patterns are associated with the pubertal gut microbiota

ABSTRACT The relationship between growth and gut microbiota establishment is critical but under-investigated during late childhood. This is an important knowledge gap since the adult microbiota connects with other organs to influence health. We studied gut microbial communities composition and dietary patterns in 13 years old males and females from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort (Brazil). We had previously shown that three BMIZ and HAZ patterns of growth since birth are present in this cohort, reflecting the nutritional status of these children. Here, we show that there is an association between growth patterns and gut microbiota, which encompasses the five pubertal stages, and which is affected by sex. Using Partial Least Square Path Modelling, we also show that there is a strong relationship between dietary patterns and gut microbiota, in males but not females. These data provide the microbiota and dietary profiles of highly phenotyped children and highlight the importance of childhood growth and sex for the maturation of the gut microbiota and long-term healthy growth. The role of pubertal diet in the relationships identified, further underlies the importance of dietary patterns establishment during adolescence while providing an opportunity for late modification of growth-microbiota relationships.