Current concepts on feeding the critically ill patient: a narrative review
Authors' conclusion
Integrating individualised energy and protein prescription, targeted micronutrient management, emerging metabolic therapies, and coordinated post-ICU rehabilitation may optimise recovery and functional outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Critically ill ICU patients, through critical illness, post-ICU and outpatient recovery
Methodological detailsexpert review (39th Annual Conference of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine, DGEM)
- Expert review (39th Annual Conference of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine, DGEM)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Inflammation and high disease severity strongly influence nutritional responsiveness; highly inflamed patients show reduced benefit and higher overfeeding risk
- Personalised strategies (indirect calorimetry, fat-free mass-based protein dosing, metabolic biomarkers such as urea-creatinine ratio) offer a rational framework for tailoring therapy
- Micronutrient deficiencies common (redistribution, pre-existing deficits, extracorporeal losses), needing structured assessment and supplementation
- Macronutrient delivery should be progressively escalated, as a pharmacologic intervention aligned with disease phase and organ function
- Early standardised ketogenic diet protocols show feasibility and potential clinical benefit in refractory status epilepticus and sepsis
- Post-ICU and outpatient phases remain nutritionally vulnerable (persistent catabolism, underfeeding common); structured multidisciplinary rehabilitation and transitional nutrition programs may improve long-term outcomes
- Not exhaustive; interpretations partly reflect the experts' views
Original publication
Current concepts on feeding the critically ill patient: a narrative review. Crit Care. Published 12 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →