Role of Elemental Diet in Healing Gut Microbiome: Study Finds

A new study has found that palatable elemental diet significantly impacted the gut microbiome. In case of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and intestinal methanogen overgrowth palatable elemental diet improved symptoms, reduced microbial gas production and modulated the microbiome. The findings are published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The research tested the elemental diet's effectiveness and explored whether improving its unappealing taste -- a major barrier -- could help patients adhere to the diet's stringent protocol. The elemental diet is a special low-fat liquid formulation that is designed to be easily digested and contains all the essential nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and intestinal methanogen overgrowth typically occur when harmful bacteria or methane-producing microbes grow out of control in the gut.

In this study, 30 adults ages 18 to 85 diagnosed with Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or intestinal methanogen overgrowth strictly adhered to only a more palatable version of the elemental diet for two weeks. This was followed by two weeks during which study participants resumed their normal diet. The researchers analyzed changes in the gut microbiome, how well the diet was tolerated, symptom relief and breath test results, along with tracking any side effects.

Most participants reported tolerating the diet well, with no serious side effects. A key finding was a reduction in unfavorable microbes linked to gut issues. Methane levels also dropped significantly, with many returning to normal.

In addition, 83% of participants reported feeling better, with significant relief from common symptoms like bloating and discomfort. These findings suggested that a tastier version of the elemental diet helped restore balance in the gut and eased symptoms of Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or intestinal methanogen overgrowth.

"The study's positive results suggest that enhancing the palatability of the elemental diet could make it more accessible and practical for patients, improving adherence and quality of life for those who face significant challenges with traditional therapies," said Mark Pimentel, MD, study author and executive director of the MAST Program at Cedars-Sinai.

Reference: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/new-cedars-sinai-study-shows-how-specialized-diet-can-improve-gut-disorders/