Friendly gut bacteria emerged as an invaluable ally in the battle against malnutrition Treating malnutrition by boosting gut microbes produces better results than traditional nutritional supplements. Friendly gut bacteria have emerged as an invaluable ally in the war against malnutrition after a research study in Bangladesh showed that bacteria-targeting food supplements were more effective than standard nutritional supplements in improving the health of undernourished children. The supplement - made from ingredients such as chickpeas, soy, bananas, and peanuts and developed to boost normal gut microbes - helped Bangladeshi children with malnutrition gain more weight than those receiving a standard nutritional supplement, the study found.