[Enteral nutrition and fiber in intensive care]

As in other fields of Medicine and Nutrition, the study of Alimentary Fiber or Dietary Fiber is becoming particularly intensive: its use in Intensive Care patients has however scarcely been explored. For comparison, its utility in diarrhea is assumed as main indication. This has not however been demonstrated. The scant research studies have not proven that diarrhea is controlled, particularly taking account of its complexity and multifactorial etiology. However, its utility has been shown in glucose-intolerance which is so common in Intensive Care Units, as in Diabetes. Current research is examining its bacterial fermentation products, short-chain fat acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and their importance as an energy source both of the intestinal and systemic mucosa. Short-chain fat acids are the preferred fuel of the colonic mucosa and an additional calorie contribution ought not to be ignored.