Dr. Rosan Meyer shares guidance on defining faltering growth (FG) and provides key updates on the interplay of factors that may cause FG as well as its prevalence across populations. Early identification and targeted intervention through regular monitoring and nutritional support are crucial to improving long-term outcomes. This podcast presents the latest clinical recommendations for proper assessment of growth trends in children to support accurate diagnosis and effective management of faltering growth.

Dr. Tanis Fenton discusses the different genetic and environmental factors to take into consideration when evaluating normal growth in infants and children. A child’s position on a chart does not tell the whole story as nutrition, genetic potential, or body composition influence an individual's normal growth. This episode further emphasizes the need to look beyond standard growth charts and, instead, towards individual assessments and growth patterns measured over time for accurate diagnoses to prevent unnecessary interventions.

Dr. Gianluca Lista examines the relationship between early nutrition and brain development in preterm infants. The discussion summarizes the latest knowledge on human milk and its components, such as HMOs and LCPUFAs, and how these can contribute to neurodevelopmental processes, specifically myelination and grey and white matter brain maturation.​

Dr. Catalina Bazacliu discusses recent studies on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), focusing on the varied approaches to nutritional management of infants with established BPD and exploring nutritional preventive strategies. She highlights the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in examining the personalized nutrition needs of each individual infant.​

Dr. Georg Gerber gives an overview of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is applied in microbiome research today — a timely topic which includes recent case studies, ethical considerations, challenges, as well as future trends and integration in clinical practice.

Dr. Samantha Rodriguez expounds on nutritional strategies to help mitigate the severity of complications associated with preterm infants, supporting optimal outcomes. She also discusses the protective factors in breast milk and the use of modern technology to advance knowledge in this research area.

Dr. Alexandra Zhernakova expounds on the infant gut virome, discussing the current understanding of its role in infant health and development, along with recent research breakthroughs. This episode also explores how evolving research in this field may impact future clinical practice.

Dr. Andrew Bartko defines the term “Microbiome Science” and explains its importance for human health and wellness. Additionally, the episode discusses the global microbial biodiversity crisis, and how microbiome sequencing may be able to improve patient health in the future. 

Dr. Rodrigo Vazquez defines what Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) are and how the gut microbiota impacts the gut-brain axis. He also shares how these disorders manifest in patients and whether there is evidence that probiotics can help manage DGBIs in infants. 

Dr. Bruno Barreto expounds on the relationship between decreasing microbial diversity and increasing food allergy in the modern world. This episode also dives into interventions to support a healthy gut microbiota in preventing food allergies, such as the important role of breastfeeding.

Dr. Keith Godfrey talks about how maternal nutrition and prenatal factors shape fetal growth and influence long-term offspring health, including cardiovascular, neurobehavioral, and metabolic outcomes. Maternal constraints like body composition, metabolism, and diet quality influence fetal development. The episode emphasizes intervention strategies to improve maternal health before and during pregnancy, reducing chronic disease risks in offspring. It also highlights the critical impact of micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy on fetal development and later health, independent of birth weight, and calls for targeted policies to enhance preconception and antenatal health.

Dr. Oraporn Dumrongwongsiri explains how breastfeeding provides optimal infant nutrition and reduces the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. She delves into the biological mechanisms behind these protective effects, including the role of breast milk composition, feeding methods, epigenetics, hormonal influences, gut microbiome development, and early shaping of food preferences.

Dr. Vincent Jaddoe discusses how early-life growth during the preconception, pregnancy, and early childhood, critically impacts long-term cardio-metabolic health. He highlights the lasting effects of adverse fetal exposures and poor growth on cardiovascular outcomes. Using advanced imaging techniques like MRI, Dr. Jaddoe illustrates the impact of childhood obesity on key organ systems, including the heart, liver, and brain. He emphasizes that effective prevention should begin in these early phases, targeting modifiable factors to improve cardiovascular health across the lifespan.

Dr. Berthold Koletzko discusses how optimizing infant and young child feeding reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases. In numerous studies, breast milk’s lower protein content is a proposed mechanism in lowering childhood obesity risk. Reducing protein intake in formula-fed infants can significantly reduce their risk of obesity at school age. Limiting cow’s milk consumption and promoting exclusive breastfeeding help prevent rapid weight gain and obesity in children. These strategies, alongside proper weaning and nutritional education, support optimal growth trajectories and long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Esther Van de Voort expounds on the urgent need to transform food systems for greater resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. This shift is vital to address global food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods, all under threat from climate change, economic disruptions, and inequality. With 28.9% of the global population food insecure, and hunger rising since the pandemic, digital solutions and data offer opportunities to optimize agricultural production and supply chains.

Dr. Kevin Chen discusses how China's economic growth has increased consumption of animal-sourced foods, affecting public health, food security, and the environment. Shifting to plant-based diets could improve health outcomes and sustainability, but challenges like ingrained food habits, limited nutritional awareness, and cost persist as barriers. Strategic actions, including tailored diet guidelines and agrifood system reforms, are key to promoting a sustainable, healthy dietary future.

Dr. Zakari Ali discusses the global food system's impact on health, society, and the planet, noting that food production accounts for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While reducing animal-source food intake is often recommended for health and environmental benefits, regions like The Gambia may need to increase it to combat malnutrition. Region-specific solutions are crucial, as a universal approach cannot effectively address global nutrition and sustainability goals.

Dr. Hema Divakar expounds on adolescence as a critical phase for addressing nutrition to prevent undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Addressing deficiencies in calcium, iron, protein, and other nutrients is essential to support bone health, cognitive function, and overall development. Establishing healthy dietary habits during this stage, particularly for girls, prepares them for future pregnancies and promotes long-term health. Investing in adolescent health offers "triple dividends"—immediate benefits, enhanced adult productivity, and reduced health risks for future generations.

Dr. Nicolas Bonnet introduces the concept of the "gut musculoskeletal axis," emphasizing the role of the gut microbiome in child musculoskeletal health. He highlights microbiome-driven mechanisms, including short-chain fatty acid production, mineral absorption regulation, and immune modulation, in bone and muscle development during early life. Based on the findings of a randomized controlled trial, he discusses how a young child formula with the synbiotic L. reuteri + GOS enhances bone strength, muscle function, and induction of microbiome changes in healthy young children.

Dr. Usha Ramakrishnan provides a compelling look at the impact of environmental exposures on child growth and development, going beyond the traditional focus on nutrition. She emphasizes that targeted interventions, such as optimal nutrition, clean air, and nurturing care, can reduce these risks. While exclusive breastfeeding offers clear benefits, the impact of improved WASH conditions on growth remains inconsistent, underscoring the need for integrated strategies.