Since a fiber intake of 15–30 g/day is recommended
for normal food in healthy persons a
similar intake is considered advisable also in
patients on EN. The main purpose using fibercontaining
formulae is feeding the gut to maintain
gut physiology, improving gastrointestinal tolerance
(e.g. prevention of diarrhoea and constipation)
and for glycaemic and lipid control.
Unfortunately, up to now, only few studies with
small numbers of patients with divergent results
are available. Although the fiber concept is
fascinating there is a lack of good clinical data to
give clear evidence-based recommendations