ADVANCES IN NUTRITION AND GASTROENTEROLOGY - SUMMARY OF THE 1997 ASPEN RESEARCH WORKSHOP

Background: The 1997 A.S.P.E.N. Research Workshop was held at the annu al meeting in San Francisco, on January 26, 1997. The workshop focused on advances in clinical and basic research involving the interface be tween nutrient and luminal gastroenterology. Methods: Presentations on the genetic regulation of gastrointestinal development, the molecular biology of small intestinal adaptation, the effect of nutrition suppo rt on intestinal mucosal mass, the relationship between nutrition and gastrointestinal motility, nutrient absorption, and gastrointestinal t ract substrate metabolism were made by the preeminent leaders in the f ield. Results: The investigators presented an insightful analysis of e ach topic by reviewing data from their own laboratories and the publis hed literature. Conclusions: This workshop underscored the important i nteractions between nutrition and luminal gastroenterology at the basi c science, metabolic/physiologic, and clinical levels. The integration of presentations from the different disciplines provided a unique int eraction of information and ideas to advance our understanding of nutr ition and gastrointestinal tract.