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

Mazaya Putri Amriviana (Department of Public Health, Universitas Malikussaleh, Jl. Medan – Banda Aceh (Cot Tengku Nie), Reuleut, Kecamatan Muara Batu, Kabupaten Aceh Utara, Provinsi Aceh, Indonesia 24351)
Cut Khairunnisa (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe, Indonesia)

Jurnal Kedokteran Diponegoro
Vol 15, No 2 (2026): JURNAL KEDOKTERAN DIPONEGORO (DIPONEGORO MEDICAL JOURNAL)

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.