title: Effect of multifibre mixture with prebiotic components on bifidobacteria and stool pH in tube-fed children.
abstract: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a paediatric tube feed supplemented with a multifibre mixture on the gut microbiota and nutritional and micronutrient status of children on long-term enteral nutrition (EN). A randomised, controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial (2 × 3 months) with a washout period of 1 month was carried out. Twenty-seven children (80% neurologically impaired) aged 11.9 (SD 3.9) years, on long-term EN (4.8 (SD 3.9) years) were recruited. The analyses of the children's faecal pH, microbiota along with anthropometric measures, bowel movements and markers of blood micronutrient status were made. Twenty children completed the study. A significant increase in the proportion of stool bifidobacteria (+16.6%, P < 0.05) was observed during the multifibre period than during the fibre-free period, together with a significant reduction in stool pH (P < 0.001). Stool frequency and consistency as well as growth did not differ between the two periods. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma ferritin at the end of the fibre-free period, but plasma ferritin levels remained within normal ranges during both periods. No diet effects on other blood parameters were observed. In conclusion, addition of a multifibre mixture with prebiotic components to paediatric EN is well tolerated, promotes bifidobacteria and reduces stool pH, indicating an improved gut health.
authors.affiliation: Unité de Nutrition Artificielle à Domicile, CHU Lille, Lille, France. dominique.guimber@chru-lille.fr
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Guimber
authors.forename: Béatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bourgois
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beghin
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neuville
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pernes
authors.forename: Kaouther
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ben Amor
authors.forename: Annemiek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goedhart
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sijben
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knol
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gottrand
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D056692:Prebiotics
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D056692:Prebiotics