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Key research themes
1. How do dietary interventions and nutrient formulations influence gastrointestinal function, nutrient absorption, and malnutrition prevention in monogastric nutrition?
This body of research investigates how aging-related gastrointestinal (GI) changes, disease states affecting different segments of the GI tract (esophagus, small intestine), and nutritional formulations (enteral and parenteral) impact nutrient digestion and absorption in monogastrics, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and critically ill. Optimizing nutrient delivery through tailored medical nutrition therapy (MNT), specialized formulas, and managing malabsorption can prevent malnutrition and improve clinical outcomes.
Key finding: The study synthesizes evidence that aging induces multifactorial declines in gastrointestinal function, including decreased mechanical food breakdown, impaired motility, reduced digestive secretions, and compromised nutrient... Read more
Key finding: Dietary supplementation with medium-chain α-monoglycerides (glycerol monolaurate) altered intestinal morphology by increasing duodenal and jejunal villous height and improved the apparent ileal digestibility of select amino... Read more
Key finding: The review consolidates evidence that oncology treatment-related diarrhea (OTRD) contributes substantially to malnutrition by impairing nutrient absorption and increasing metabolic demands via inflammation. Use of oligomeric... Read more
Key finding: The review emphasizes the critical importance of tailored amino acid provision in parenteral nutrition (PN) for monogastric patients unable to use the gastrointestinal tract. It details physiological roles of essential,... Read more
Key finding: The article systematically reviews esophageal diseases causing anatomical obstruction or motility disorders that impair nutrient transport to the stomach (e.g., oropharyngeal dysphagia, achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis).... Read more
2. What are the physicochemical and compositional properties of dietary fibers and carbohydrates that influence digestibility and gut health in monogastric nutrition?
This research theme centers on characterizing fiber types and carbohydrate fractions by their physicochemical properties such as hydration capacity, buffering capacity, and digestibility rates, including slowly digestible starches. This understanding informs how specific fiber and carbohydrate sources affect nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal health, microbiota composition, and energy availability in monogastric animals, guiding dietary formulation for optimal digestive function and metabolic health.
Key finding: Among 22 fiber-rich feed samples analyzed, hydration capacity parameters (water holding, binding, and swelling) correlated strongly with each other but weakly with buffering capacity, indicating that physicochemical... Read more
Key finding: A novel carbohydrate blend (SUSTRA™ 2434), composed of tapioca flour and corn starch, exhibited a high in vitro slowly digestible starch fraction (51%) compared to maltodextrin (9%), and showed 94% digestibility in vivo in... Read more
Key finding: Infant formula supplemented with five HMOs at physiologic concentrations supported age-appropriate growth comparable to human milk feeding and control formula, while improving gastrointestinal tolerance indicators (softer,... Read more
Key finding: Blenderized tube feeding (BTF), consisting of whole foods delivered enterally, was associated with substantial improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms (30-50% reductions in gagging, retching, constipation, diarrhea) across... Read more
3. How do nutrition strategies modify clinical outcomes and nutrient deficits in monogastric patients with disease or critical illness?
This theme addresses the application of therapeutic nutrition strategies—including medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, enteral and parenteral nutrition regimens, micronutrient supplementation, and dietary modifications targeting inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome—in monogastric patients with chronic or acute disease states. The aim is to optimize nutrient balance, reduce nutrient deficits, mitigate disease symptoms, and improve clinical recovery and quality of life.
Key finding: Micronutrients (vitamins and trace elements) are essential yet often underprovided components in parenteral nutrition (PN). The consensus provides practical guidelines for their appropriate prescription, administration, and... Read more
Key finding: Malabsorption in monogastric patients arises from diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms affecting luminal digestion, mucosal absorption, or post-absorptive processing due to diseases across GI organs (small intestine, pancreas,... Read more
Key finding: Dietary modulation plays a crucial role in preventing and managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The paper discusses how diets low in fermentable carbohydrates (e.g., low-FODMAP) and alternative grains influence gut... Read more