Micronutrient intake from enteral nutrition in critically ill adult patients: A retrospective observational study

The objective of this study was to determine the intake of micronutrients including vitamins B₁₂, D, C, and A; folate; thiamine; iron; zinc; and selenium that are delivered from enteral nutrition (EN) during routine clinical practice in critically ill adults, expressed as a percentage of the Australia and New Zealand nutrient reference values.

This single-center retrospective observational study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia during the first 7 d of intensive care unit admission. Mechanically ventilated patients prescribed exclusive EN were considered for inclusion. The primary and secondary outcomes were micronutrient intake expressed as a percentage of the recommended dietary intake (daily intake intended to meet the needs of 97% to 98% of a healthy population) and the upper level of intake (highest daily intake unlikely to pose adverse health effects), respectively. Data are presented as mean (SD) or median [interquartile range].

In total, 57 patients were included (62 (16) y, 67% male). EN was delivered for 5 [4-6] d, with 47% (20) energy adequacy achieved. EN delivery met the recommended dietary intake for vitamin B₁₂, vitamin C, thiamine, and iron and did not meet the recommended dietary intake for vitamin D, vitamin A, folate, zinc, and selenium. No micronutrients exceeded the upper level of intake.

EN delivery met the recommended intake for four micronutrients, did not meet the recommended intake for five micronutrients, and did not exceed the upper level of intake for any micronutrient when approximately 50% energy adequacy was achieved types.