Resumption of oral food intake in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Withdrawal of artificial nutrition and resumption of oral food intake are one important step in the rehabilitation after a critical care period. This stage is marked by calorie and protein deficit compared to the patient’s actual needs and inputs of artificial nutrition before extubation. Many obstacles to food intake exist in the critically ill patient including anorexia, gag reflex disorders, and rapid satiety. Improvement in resumption of food intake requires the implementation of a multidisciplinary protocol. This protocol should be included in a global comprehensive nutritional strategy of the critically ill patient.