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

## TL;DR

This study shows that a 30-day probiotic supplement can change gut bacteria in older patients receiving home nutrition, potentially improving gut health.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on how probiotics affect gut microbiota in older home enteral nutrition patients.

## Key findings

- Probiotic supplementation increased gut microbiota alpha diversity in older HEN patients.
- The treated group showed increased relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae.
- The study offers preliminary insights into microbiota modulation in this under-researched population.

## 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.