Effects of a low-FODMAP enteral formula on diarrhea on patients in the intensive care unit
- Author:
Eunjoo BAE
1
;
Jiyoon KIM
;
Jinyoung JANG
;
Junghyun KIM
;
Suyeon KIM
;
Youngeun CHANG
;
MI YEON KIM
;
Mira JEON
;
Seongsuk KANG
;
Jung Keun LEE
;
Tae Gon KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Research
- From:Nutrition Research and Practice 2021;15(6):703-714
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:A dietary restriction on the intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract complications. Enteral nutrition (EN) is widely used for patients who cannot obtain their nutritional requirements orally, but many studies have reported EN complications, especially diarrhea, in up to 50% of patients.
SUBJECTS/METHODS:We performed a single-center, non-randomized, controlled trial to determine the effects of a low-FODMAP enteral formula on GI complications in patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Patients in the ICU who needed EN (n = 66) were alternately assigned to the low-FODMAP group (n = 33) or the high-FODMAP group (n = 33).
RESULTS:Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured, and stool assessment was performed using King's Stool Chart. We excluded patients who received laxatives, GI motility agents, proton pump inhibitors, antifungal agents, and antibiotics other than β-lactams. There were no differences in GI symptoms during 7 days of intervention, including bowel sound, abdominal distension, and vomiting between the 2 groups. However, diarrhea was more frequent in the high-FODMAP group (7/33 patients) than the lowFODMAP group (1/33 patients) (P = 0.044).
CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest that a low-FODMAP enteral formula may be a practical therapeutic approach for patients who exhibit enteral formula complications. Our study warrants further randomized clinical trials and multicenter trials.
