DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/dmj.v15i2.53268

FECAL PH AND DECODING THE HIDDEN ROLE OF GUT DYSBIOSIS FOR STUNTING AMONG TODDLERS IN INDONESIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Mazaya Putri Amriviana orcid  -  Department of Public Health, Universitas Malikussaleh, Jl. Medan – Banda Aceh (Cot Tengku Nie), Reuleut, Kecamatan Muara Batu, Kabupaten Aceh Utara, Provinsi Aceh, Indonesia 24351, Indonesia
*Cut Khairunnisa  -  Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe, Indonesia, Indonesia
Open Access Copyright 2026 Mazaya Putri Amriviana
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Background: Stunting in children is a persistent public health issue in Indonesia, partly linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. This imbalance alters short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, affecting intestinal function and fecal pH. Fecal pH may serve as an indirect marker of microbial disturbance. Objective: To examine the association between fecal pH as an indicator of intestinal dysbiosis and stunting incidence among children in Indonesia. Methods: This review systematically searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Of 1,777 screened articles, 14 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively. Results: Most studies reported higher fecal pH and microbial imbalance in stunted children. Common findings included elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios, higher pathogenic species, and reduced SCFA-producing bacteria. Synbiotic interventions improved microbial composition, lowered fecal pH, and supported growth. Conclusion: Elevated fecal pH is associated with gut dysbiosis and stunting in children. Its role as a low-cost biomarker could support early screening and targeted stunting prevention strategies in resource-limited settings.

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Keywords: pH feses; disbiosis mikrobiota usus; stunting; anak balita; indikator kesehatan usus
Funding: Universitas Malikussaleh under contract No funding

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Section: Original Articles
Language : EN
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