Environmental Enteropathy

Environmental enteropathy is characterized by villus blunting, reduced nutrient absorption, and microbial translocation. A high lactulose/rhamnose ratio indicates greater intestinal permeability in environmental enteropathy research. Environmental enteropathy may raise requirements for high-quality dietary protein through inflammation, disrupted microbiota, and reduced absorptive capacity. Environmental enteropathy arises from repeated exposure to enteric pathogens, especially where clean water and sanitation are inadequate, and is compounded by marginal dietary protein intake.