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More Than Solubility: Understanding Clinical Implications of Updated Analytical Testing of Dietary Fiber Within Enteral Nutrition Formulas1

Authors: Vanessa Millovich, DCN, MS, RDN, CNSC2; Susan Ray, MS, RDN, CNSC, CDCES3; Joanne Slavin, PhD, RDN4

Abstract presented at The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) 2023 Nutrition Science & Practice Conference and published in the supplement of the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JPEN).

Summary: Updated testing methodologies for detecting dietary fiber has revealed an increase in total dietary fiber content in food products. This study analyzed the fiber content of several enteral formulas, including one deemed “fiber free”, to showcase comparative fiber content across these two methods (AOAC 991.43, AOAC 2011.25).

Key Takeaways:

  • Total dietary fiber content on food and formula labels may or may not reflect the updated testing methodologies. With the wide implementation of the updated testing method, we may begin to see an updated declaration of fiber, although the amount of fiber in products has not changed.

  • Medically complex patients may have been receiving dietary fiber in formulas, even those labeled as “fiber free.”

References:

1. Millovich V, Ray S, and Slavin J. P29 - More than Solubility: Understanding Clinical Implications of Updated Analytical Testing of Dietary Fiber Within Enteral Nutrition Formulas. Enteral Nutrition Therapy Poster Abstracts. ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference: April 20-23, 2023 (Las Vegas, NV). JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2023 April;47(S71-246): S106 https://doi.org/10.1002/jpen.2491

2. Kate Farms, Hemet, California

3. Kate Farms, Temecula, California

4. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota