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.

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 pre-intervention rate of <5 cm/year (P value = 0.004). The height percentiles were also improved and about 55.88 % (19/34) children with height in P3-P10 shifted to P10-P25. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-11 for 3 months significantly improved height velocity in 3- to 7-year-old children with below-average height. The findings suggest that BL-11 may be a safe and effective probiotic intervention for promoting growth in children with mild growth delay. Further long-term studies are warranted to confirm the durability and consistency of these effects.