Our Summary

The study examines how a type of nutrition, called minimal enteral nutrition (MEN), can help the gut adapt after a portion of the small intestine is removed. Specifically, the researchers were interested in whether colostrum, a type of milk produced by cows that’s rich in growth factors, could enhance this adaptation.

In the first part of the study, piglets that had 50% of their small intestine removed were fed either a standard diet (PN) or a diet supplemented with colostrum (PN-COL) or formula (PN-FORM). The researchers found that the piglets fed with colostrum absorbed more nutrients and had taller “villi” (small finger-like projections in the gut that help with nutrient absorption) compared to those on a standard diet. Both the colostrum and formula groups also had deeper “crypts” (glandular structures in the gut) and higher tissue protein synthesis compared to the standard diet group.

In the second part of the study, the researchers tested whether colostrum supplementation could be tolerated by infants who had undergone intestinal removal. They found that the infants handled the colostrum well and did not show signs of cow’s milk allergy.

The results suggest that colostrum and formula can both help the gut adapt after a portion of the small intestine is removed. However, the researchers indicate that further studies are needed to determine whether colostrum supplementation should be recommended for infants who have undergone intestinal removal.

FAQs

  1. What is minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) and how does it help the gut adapt after intestinal resection?
  2. How does colostrum affect nutrient absorption and gut adaptation in piglets who had 50% of their small intestine removed?
  3. Can colostrum supplementation be tolerated by infants who have undergone intestinal removal?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may recommend to a patient who has had an intestinal resection to consider incorporating colostrum or formula into their diet to help the gut adapt and improve nutrient absorption. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or supplementation routine.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended intestinal resection include those with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or bowel obstruction. Intestinal resection may be necessary to remove diseased or damaged portions of the intestine in order to improve symptoms and prevent complications.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  2. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, and endoscopy are performed to determine the extent of the intestinal damage.
  3. Surgery is recommended to remove the damaged portion of the intestine.

After intestinal resection:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the damaged portion of the intestine.
  2. Patient may require a period of recovery in the hospital, during which they are closely monitored for complications such as infection or bowel obstruction.
  3. Patient is put on a special diet to help the remaining intestine adapt to its new function.
  4. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their diet or medication regimen.
  5. In some cases, patients may experience long-term complications such as malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies, which may require ongoing management and monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can intestinal resection cause any long-term complications or side effects?
  2. How will my diet need to be adjusted after intestinal resection?
  3. Are there any specific nutritional supplements or diets that can help with gut adaptation after intestinal resection?
  4. What are the potential benefits of minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) for intestinal resection patients?
  5. Are there any potential risks or contraindications to using colostrum as a supplement for gut adaptation after intestinal resection?
  6. How soon after intestinal resection can I start using MEN or colostrum supplementation?
  7. Are there any specific markers or tests that can indicate whether my gut is adapting properly after intestinal resection?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after intestinal resection to support gut health and adaptation?
  9. What are the potential differences in outcomes between using colostrum and formula for gut adaptation after intestinal resection?
  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies related to gut adaptation after intestinal resection that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Aunsholt L, Qvist N, Sangild PT, Vegge A, Stoll B, Burrin DG, Jeppesen PB, Eriksen T, Husby S, Thymann T. Journal: JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2018 Feb;42(2):446-454. doi: 10.1177/0148607117690527. Epub 2017 Dec 20. PMID: 28786308