Tag: Protein delivery

International guidelines for critically ill patient nutrition have widely recommended high protein intake (1.2–2.0 g/kg/day), but robust evidence to support this approach has been surprisingly limited. The question of whether a higher or lower protein delivery is optimal in critically ill patients is complex and depends heavily on timing, patient-specific factors, and comorbidities like acute kidney injury (AKI).

According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), critically ill patients have significantly elevated protein needs due to a hypercatabolic state, with guidelines recommending between 1.2 and 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This higher intake is vital for supporting immune function, preventing muscle wasting, and improving overall recovery in critically ill patients.