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Pharmaconutrition for the obese, critically ill patient
Ryan T Hurt1, Thomas H Frazier, Stephen A McClave
1Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 550 South Jackson St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|September 2, 2011
Summary
Obese patients in intensive care units (ICUs) face higher risks. This review explores pharmaconutrients like green tea and omega-3 fatty acids as potential supplements to enteral nutrition (EN) to mitigate these risks.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a widespread epidemic affecting 30% of US adults.
- Critically ill obese patients in intensive care units (ICUs) may experience increased infectious complications, longer ICU stays, and greater ventilation needs.
- Standard enteral nutrition (EN) can reduce infectious complications, but obese ICU patients may still be at higher risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for specific pharmaconutrients in managing obesity-related risks in ICU patients.
- To explore the potential benefits of nutrients like green tea, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids for obese ICU patients on EN therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining the efficacy of various nutrients in obesity and critical illness.
- Analysis of evidence for nutrients including green tea, curcumin, sulforaphane, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, protein, probiotics, magnesium, medium-chain triglycerides, and zinc.
- Assessment of potential integration of these nutrients into enteral nutrition (EN) formulas or as supplements.
Main Results:
- Pharmaconutrition has demonstrated potential in reducing negative outcomes in the ICU.
- Specific nutrients show promise for addressing obesity-associated risks in critically ill patients.
- Evidence supports considering targeted nutrient supplementation for obese patients requiring EN.
Conclusions:
- Obese ICU patients may benefit from specialized pharmaconutrition strategies.
- Nutrients such as green tea, curcumin, PUFAs, and specific amino acids warrant consideration for EN formulations.
- Further research into the integration of these pharmaconutrients could optimize care for obese critically ill patients.
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