Gut Microbiota Changes Following Short-Term Probiotic Supplementation in Older Home Enteral Nutrition Patients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) patients, often older adults, are susceptible to gut microbiota dysbiosis and low-grade chronic inflammation (inflammaging), which negatively impacts overall health and intestinal integrity. However, evidence on microbiota-targeted interventions in this population remains limited. The development of targeted nutritional strategies, such as probiotic supplementation, has been proposed to address these age-related changes. METHODS: This exploratory randomized, open-label study explored changes in gut microbiota composition following a 30-day probiotic intervention in a cohort of sixteen older HEN patients. Gut microbiota profiles were analyzed at baseline and post-intervention using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: Significant shifts in the gut microbiota were observed, including a statistically significant increase in alpha diversity after 30 days. At the taxonomic level, the treated group showed an increased relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae, suggesting a modulation of gut microbiota structure following probiotic supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary insights into microbiota dynamics in this population and may inform the design of future studies integrating functional and clinical outcomes.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu18061013

Institutions: Marche Polytechnic University, Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani, Università di Camerino, University of Urbino, San Raffaele University of Rome

Language: English

Topic: Gut microbiota and health

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499

Funder: Ministero della Salute

OpenAlex ID: W7140080559