Understanding how foods and enteral feedings influence the gut microbiome

The gut microbiome supports both gut and overall health. Diet is known to be one of the driving factors that influences the gut microbiome. The foods we eat, the dietary and nondietary components they contain, various food consumption patterns, and the ratio of nutrients consumed have been shown to impact gut microbiome composition and function. Studies indicate that many acute and chronic diseases are associated with alterations to the gut microbiome. There are many patients who rely on enteral tube feeding for their nutrition support. More recently, enteral tube feeding formulations of "real food" have become commercially available. However, little is known about how enteral tube feeding impacts the gut microbiome in patients requiring this specialized form of nutrition therapy. This review summarizes the existing evidence regarding the food sources of commonly consumed macronutrients and their impact on the gut microbiome. Also presented is what is known regarding "standard" and real food enteral formulations on the gut microbiome. Existing evidence is suggestive that real food enteral formulations positively impact the gut microbiome. Still, more research is needed on ready-to-feed formulations, particularly in patients with various clinical conditions, and how gut microbiome modulation impacts clinical outcomes.