Dietary intake distribution patterns in post-intensive care patients

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Clinical Nutrition
• Patient Recovery

Background:

• Oral food intake is often inadequate in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors during ward recovery.
• Limited data exists on meal intake patterns and the effect of prolonged enteral tube feeding on oral intake in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the daily distribution of energy and protein intake from oral meals in post-ICU patients.
• To assess the impact of enteral tube feeding on oral food intake across different mealtimes.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post comparison of two prospective observational cohorts (PROSPECT-I and II) was conducted.
• Adult ICU survivors receiving enteral tube feeding at ICU discharge were analyzed for oral intake over 14 days post-ICU.

Main Results:

• Oral intake showed an even distribution across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with no significant differences in energy or protein intake per meal.
• Implementation of a tailored nutrition protocol led to longer enteral tube feeding (5 vs. 3 days) and reduced oral intake (p < 0.001).
• The protocol increased total daily energy (2115 vs. 1816 kcal) and protein intake (108.1 vs. 91.5 g).

Conclusions:

• Post-ICU patients exhibit a consistent distribution of oral intake throughout the day, indicating a potential per-meal intake limit.
• A tailored nutrition protocol enhanced overall nutritional adequacy but diminished oral food consumption in post-ICU patients.