Critical-care nutrition review highlights feeding balance and gaps during recovery
In critically ill patients, the review reported worse physical outcomes with both overfeeding and excessive energy restriction. Comparisons varied, and nutritional intake during recovery was often missing.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review suggests that feeding amount and stage of illness matter when assessing physical recovery in critical care. It reported adverse physical outcomes with overfeeding and excessive energy restriction, while higher-than-standard protein intake helped preserve muscle mass. Missing recovery-phase intake data makes it difficult to judge how particular nutritional interventions contributed to later function.
The abstract provides no quantitative effects or definitions of adequate intake, overfeeding or standard protein levels. Most studies did not report nutritional intake during recovery, limiting interpretation of that phase.
Muscle mass and function differ
Preserving muscle mass and improving physical function are distinct outcomes. The review reported muscle preservation with protein above standard levels, while nutrition combined with early rehabilitation appeared to support function; these statements should not be treated as interchangeable.
Specific nutrients remain uncertain
Effects of individual nutrients were unclear because studies were limited and energy intake was insufficient or poorly reported. Some nutrients showed potential benefits, but the abstract does not establish which preparation improves which physical outcome.
The original publication
Nutrition therapy for physical impairment in critically ill patients: A narrative review of the latest evidence.
Yoshida M, Yamamoto R, Izumino H et al.
Clin Nutr · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40769018
- Record checked
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