Updates in the Medical and Nutritional Management of Short Gut Syndrome

Purpose of Review Intestinal adaptation is the main treatment goal in short bowel syndrome to control symptoms and improve health-related quality of life. This can be achieved in part through the use of medical therapies as well as parenteral and enteral nutrition, including oral dietary choices. This review will focus on dietary and medical management of short bowel syndrome and offer insights into novel nutritional and pharmacological approaches that may benefit patients. Recent Findings A balanced oral diet inclusive of whole plant-based foods may be beneficial in short bowel syndrome for reasons including alleviating symptoms, preventing disease-related complications, and optimizing the intestinal microbiome. Adjunctive medical therapies are often needed to improve symptoms, treat comorbid conditions, and reduce reliance on parenteral nutrition. Summary Though treatment must be tailored to individual anatomy and symptoms, newer dietary and pharmacologic approaches may be promising for short bowel patients. Future prospective studies are needed to further understand their efficacy.