[Microbiota and enteral nutrition]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Context:

• Enteral nutrition (EN) is a critical therapy for up to 10% of hospitalized patients.
• EN significantly alters intestinal nutrient delivery, contributing to metabolic stress and drug-induced changes.
• These factors collectively induce marked gut dysbiosis, characterized by reduced beneficial bacteria and increased pathogens.

Purpose:

• To investigate the impact of gut microbiota alterations during enteral nutrition.
• To explore the role of Saccharomyces boulardii in preventing and managing EN-associated diarrhea.
• To assess the potential of microbiota manipulation for enhancing feeding efficiency in tube-fed patients.

Summary:

• Enteral nutrition (EN) disrupts the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, which is a primary cause of diarrhea in hospitalized patients.
• Saccharomyces boulardii demonstrates potential in preventing EN-associated diarrhea, possibly by increasing short-chain fatty acid production.
• The gut microbiota influences energy harvesting and nutritional status, suggesting manipulation could improve outcomes in tube-fed patients.

Impact:

• Understanding microbiota changes during EN is crucial for patient care.
• Saccharomyces boulardii offers a promising therapeutic strategy for managing EN-related gastrointestinal complications.
• Targeting the gut microbiota presents a novel avenue for optimizing nutritional support and improving patient recovery.