Influence of diet complexity on intestinal adaptation following massive small bowel resection in a preclinical model

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effect of dietary complexity on intestinal adaptation using a preclinical model. Methods: Four-week-old piglets underwent a 75% proximal small bowel resection or transection operation (control). Post-operatively, animals received either pig chow (n = 15), polymeric formula (n = 9), polymeric formula plus fiber (n = 6), or elemental formula (n = 7). Results: The weight gain of all groups was reduced compared with controls that were fed the same diet. Animals that had a resection, which were fed elemental formula, had significantly reduced weight gain compared with the other groups (4.7 ± 4.2 vs 30.7 ± 7.1 kg chow and 11.5 ± 1.3 kg polymeric formula). Villus height was..