Nutritional Support in Critically ill Patients

Nutrition is an integral component of general care for critically ill patients, and numerous randomized trials have addressed research questions related to the optimal feeding route, formulation, dose, and timing of initiation. Critically ill patients are hypermetabolic and have increased nutrient requirements. It is assumed that nutrient depletion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and that correction or prevention of such nutrient depletion can eliminate this excess morbidity and mortality associated with malnutrition. There are many factors that determine outcome from critical care and indeed any hospital treatment, and nutritional status clearly has an effect.