Energy and nutrient requirements in the intensive care unit inpatients: A narrative review

Background: Malnutrition has been the most prevalent problem in hospitalized patients during recent years, which accentuate the paramount importance of comprehensive nutritional support among these patients. This study aimed to provide a review of the recent literature about intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients and their nutritional care. Methods: This review on energy and nutrient requirements for feeding the ICU inpatients focused on literature in English language. An on-line search using the keywords “nutritional support, malnutrition, ICU inpatients, micronutrient deficiencies, critically ill” in ISI web of science, PubMed, Scopus journals published during the years (June 1979-November 2014) was run. The crosssectional and prospective studies, as well as the clinical trials, were recruited into this investigation. Results: Recent studies propose energy provision with 20-25 Kcal/Kg/day or 25- 35 Kcal/Kg/day for critically ill patients. The recommended carbohydrate and protein intakes are 2-4 g/Kg/day, 1.2-1.5 g/Kg/day, respectively. The suggested fat intake is 25-30% of a total calorie. The latest studies stressed the need for antioxidant vitamins and trace elements such as A, C, β-carotene, E, selenium, magnesium and zinc among ICU inpatients. Conclusion: High prevalence of malnutrition among ICU inpatients caution to provide a nutritional health care team, including professionals and dietitians who evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and supplementations. Energy requirement should be determined according to their nutritional and clinical status; then macro and micronutrient needs should be considered for ICU inpatients.