Is there a role for specialized enteral nutrition in the intensive care unit?

ABSTRACT

The enteral route is preferred for nutrition support of critically ill patients who have a functional gastrointestinal tract. A variety of specialized formulas are available to help manage the complications often seen in these patients. This review summarizes the literature supporting the use of formulas marketed for liver disease, wound healing, immune-system enhancement, pulmonary and renal disease, and diabetes mellitus. With the exception of the immune-enhancing formulas, convincing evidence for the use of these formulas in critically ill patients is lacking. Further studies are warranted.