A “food for special medical purposes” for the treatment of intestinal insufficiency/deficiency

Background: Insufficient absorption of nutrients from food can be caused by impaired digestion, absorption or transport of nutrients, and can affect macronutrients, micronutrients, or both. Objective: The aim of this multicentric retrospective observational study is to confirm the efficacy of a formula (Bariatrifast, BIOITALIA S.r.l., Italy), supplementing vitamins and minerals, in patients with intestinal insufficiency from multiple different aetiologies, excluding bariatric surgery. Methods: A total of 78 patients were enrolled, assessing anthropometrics, blood pressure, and blood tests at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 months. Bariatrifast was the only supplement assumed. Mean age and BMI were 55.7 years and 23.4 kg/m 2 . Results: The study shows preliminary results of 20.6% and 52.9% of patients completing 6 and 4-month follow-up: increase of red blood cells and haemoglobin; a trend to increase over time for ferritin and iron; stable leukocytes, platelets and folate; a modest downward trend of transferrin; Vitamin-D improved remarkably then stabilized; mean values of heart rate and systolic-diastolic blood pressure remained stable. No undesirable effects were reported. Conclusions: In conclusion preliminary results suggest that using Bariatrifast in patients with intestinal insufficiency can improve the haematological panel, increasing Vitamins B12 and D, iron and ferritin, therefore confirming the efficacy of this special medical purpose food in intestinal insufficiency.