FOS, Fiber Improve Enteral Tube Feeding

LONDON--Fortifying enteral feeding formulas with fiber and fructoogliosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic, can curb intestinal microflora imbalance associated with standard feeding formulas, according to results of study published in the August issue of Journal of Nutrition (135:1896-1902, 2005).

Researchers from Kings College fed 10 healthy adults (four men and six women) either a standard enteral formula or one with FOS (1.5 g/L) and fiber (8.9 g/L) for 14 days. The randomized, double blind, crossover trial had a six-week washout phase. Fecal samples taken before and after the supplementation period were tested for major bacterial groups and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. While both formulas lowered total fecal bacteria, the FOS-fiber fortified formula resulted in higher concentrations of total SCFAs, as well as acetate and proprionate. The fortified formula also increased bifidobacteria and reduced clostridia. Researchers concluded standard enteral formulas cause adverse alterations to fecal microbiota and SCFA concentrations in healthy adults, which can be partially prevented by formula fortified with FOS and fiber.