[Nutrition aspects in patients considered to be at high risk]

We are faced with the need to study, investigate or at least seek information in order to pursue our work in the best conditions, with the broadest knowledge and the greatest benefits for the patient and for those who are well, using "something" which, at times, is too often forgotten--common sense. Hippocrates had plenty of this special sense which, it seems, is not excessive among men. His aphorisms include the following: "may your food be your medicine". Anyone who reflects on the vast content of this sentence, pronounced over two thousand years ago, will see what is happening in the present, in our hospitals (many of us could speak of this, and much has been said about the nutritional alterations that occur), as well as well as at large, where the outrages permitted and our clear ignorance or negligence in accepting them are no less grave. Perhaps where the need for correct nutrition is most noted is in those patients who must undergo or support prolonged fasting or stress situations due to serious pathological processes, major surgery, etc., or patients with certain deteriorated clinical conditions, such as alterations to intestinal mobility, diminution of enzymatic secretion, neoplasic processes, etc. These are the patients whom we will encounter particularly in Digestive Surgery and in Reanimation or Intensive Care Services. Words of doubt, such as "perhaps", "maybe", "could be", etc. are heard frequently in congresses, meetings, etc. They express current reality as to knowledge on this young science, filled with controversy, which means, fortunately, that much work and research is being done on it and its practical applications.