The Microbiome Matters: The Role of Fibre and Enteral Feeding in Clinical Nutrition (Canadian Nutrition Society 2026 Nestle Sponsored Symposium)

This two-part symposium presented by Levi Teigen, PhD, RD, and Lisa Epp, RDN, CNSC, LD, FASPEN, at the Canadian Nutrition Society annual conference in May 2026 explores the relationship between diet and the gut microbiome, bridging foundational science with clinical application. Emerging research on how dietary components influence gut microbiota is reviewed, and the role of fibre and enteral nutrition in modulating the microbiome is presented, with focus on tube feeding and its impact on patient outcomes. Practical strategies for implementing microbiome-supportive nutrition across adult and pediatric care settings are explored. These include selecting and recommending dietary interventions that support microbiome health; integrating fibre-rich and microbiome-supportive enteral nutrition protocols in inpatient and outpatient settings; and educating patients and caregivers on the benefits and preparation of food-based enteral formulas.