This Ancient Grain Could Help Transform Children's Gut Health

A nine-month trial of 223 toddlers in Mumbai fed iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet showed measurable beneficial changes in gut microbiomes with none of the adverse effects (diarrhea, constipation) typically associated with iron supplementation, while the biofortified grain contained nearly three times the iron of conventional millet.

The study was conducted in one population in Mumbai; effects in other regions and age groups would require further research.