Short bowel syndrome in infants: the critical role of luminal nutrients in a management program.

Short bowel syndrome develops when the remnant mass of functioning enterocytes following massive resections cannot support growth or maintain fluid-electrolyte balance and requires parenteral nutrition. Resection itself stimulates the intestine's inherent ability to adapt morphologically and functionally. The capacity to change is very much related to the high turnover rate of enterocytes and is mediated by several signals; these signals are mediated in large part by enteral nutrition.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chylomicron retention disease based on a review of the literature and the experience of two centers.

Familial hypocholesterolemia, namely abetalipoproteinemia, hypobetalipoproteinemia and chylomicron retention disease (CRD), are rare genetic diseases that cause malnutrition, failure to thrive, growth failure and vitamin E deficiency, as well as other complications. Recently, the gene implicated in CRD was identified. The diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms are nonspecific.

Short-chain fatty acids: ready for prime time?

The concept of colonic health has become a major target for the development of functional foods such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. These bioactive agents have a profound effect on the composition of the microflora, as well as on the physiology of the colon, and display distinct health benefits. Dietary carbohydrates escaping digestion/absorption in the small bowel and prebiotics undergo fermentation in the colon and give rise to short-chain fatty acids (SCFA).

New lipids in enteral feeding.

Purpose Of Review: Lipid sources for enteral nutrition continue to be an exciting area of investigation. It is timely to review recent developments which have largely contributed to thrust enteral feeding into a new era.

Recent Findings: Although much more research needs to be done, there is a better understanding of the competitive relationships between n-6/n-3 fatty acids in conditions of metabolic and immune stress as well as in autoimmune and degenerative diseases.