Although undernutrition induced by micro and/or macronutrients deficiencies can impair growth, it is not sufficient to induce enteropathy. Several combinations of infection and undernutrition can induce growth failure and affect gut barrier, but these models seem to be specific of a pathogen and may lead to uncontrolled inflammatory response, which limit their validity.

I am agree with your opinion. So, do you think that the antistunting supplement study is likely impossible? Or should I consider another condition in the animal so that its effect is proven preclinically?

Hi Fatah

Your question is quite a complex one. I don't know what is your location (i.e. the location where the study is to be conducted) - you should check local (national) laws. In the EU your research would have to comply with the Directive 2010/63/EU (you can look at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/research-development/ethical-use-animals-medicine-testing ). The other question is do you need such a study. What would be the purpose? If you are talking about nutrients with already established roles, recommended daily intakes, and upper limits in humans, then you perhaps can use these available data. Alternatively, you could maybe do testing in humans right away. I would suggest to first check what are the legal requirements for the planned use of a supplement on your target market (EU, USA, Japan...?). For example, in the EU you should be able to use already-approved health claims for vitamins and minerals providing that its content is the product is adequate (you can take a look at a https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=register.home). On the other hand, even if proven effective and safe, the product that aims to prevent or treat the disease could not be registered as a food supplement in the EU since it is considered a medicine (drug). Furthermore, animal studies alone would not be considered good enough evidence for getting approval for a new health claim in the EU I'm afraid. So, it may be a better strategy to do the research on the topic starting with these later suggestions. I hope this helps you.

Best of luck

thank you very much Jasmina Đeđibegović for your insightful suggestions. For your information, I am from Indonesia and the drugs supposed to be launched in the regional market. I will check the authority first.

@Sir Fatah ,one thing you shall consider is the Animal Welfare Act implemented in your country. Because even if that is for research purposes, let us just reviewed the rules concerning this matter. Thank you.

Yes, I am agree with Respected Suzan Sami Ibraheim Faheim