Introduction: The nutritional support of critically ill patients must be individualized and meet the
daily energy and protein needs. Despite the fact that health entities publish their respective nutritional
therapy recommendations for these patients, guidelines on the use of protein modules are still scarce
and controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the protein / energy adequacy of the industrialized
enteral formulas existing in the Brazilian market used in the nutritional therapy of adult patients, as
well as the need to use protein modules. Methods: 46 enteral formulas found in the Brazilian market
were evaluated, by means of mathematical simulations, in relation to the adequacy against protein
recommendations, without extrapolating the energy supply (limit of 110% of the daily requirement). For
the simulations, comprising the protein module, the energy supply of the module was included in the
analysis. Results: The protein / calorie ratio varied between 3.1 and 9.2. For patients without obesity,
only the Peptamen Intense - Nestlé formula [protein ratio (g)/100 kcal = 9.2] reaches at least 100% of
the protein requirement (1.5 to 2g protein/kg/day), with a volume calculated to 20 to 25 kcal/kg. For
patients with BMI between 30 and 36 kg/m2, there is no formula that achieves the recommendation in
isolation. The Peptamen Intense - Nestlé formula meets the recommendations for patients with a BMI
between 36 and 40 and a BMI> 44 kg/m2. The comparison of the Peptamen Intense - Nestlé formula
with the rest of the formulas available on the market plus protein module shows that Fresubin 2 kcal
HP - Fresenius needs the lowest volume of the set (enteral formula + protein module) to reach 1000
kcal and 92 g of protein (25.5% less than Peptamen Intense - Nestlé). Conclusion: Most of the enteral
formulas available in the Brazilian market are not able to offer, in isolation, an adequate protein supply,
without generating excess energy supply (overfeeding). The use of protein modules can bring benefits
to the recovery of patients, including those infected by COVID-19.