Protein and energy intake in intensive care unit survivors during the first year of recovery: A descriptive cohort study

Abstract

PurposeMany ICU survivors suffer long‐term health issues, affecting their quality of life. Nutritional inadequacy can limit their rehabilitation potential. This study investigates nutritional intake and support during ICU admission and recovery.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 81 adult ICU patients with stays ≥ 48 hours were included. Data on dietary intake, feeding strategies, baseline/ICU characteristics, and one‐year outcomes (physical health and readmission rates) were collected. The number of patients achieving 1.2 g/kg/d protein and 25 kcal/kg/d at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐ICU was recorded. The impact of dietary supplementation during the year was assessed. Baseline characteristics, intake barriers, and rehabilitation's influence on nutritional intake at 12 months were evaluated, along with inadequate intake's effect on outcomes.ResultsAfter 12 months, only 10% of 60 patients achieved 1.2 g/kg/d protein intake, while 28% reached the advised 25 kcal/kg/d energy target. Supplementary feeding significantly increased protein intake at 3, 6, and 12 months (p=0.003, p=0.012, p=0.033) and energy intake at 3 months (p=0.003). A positive correlation was found between female sex and energy intake at 12 months post‐ICU (β=4.145, p=0.043), and taste issues independently associated with higher protein intake (β=0.363, p=0.036). However, achieving upper quartile protein or energy intake did not translate into improved physical health outcomes.ConclusionThis study shows that protein and energy intake is below recommendations in the majority of ICU survivors during the first year of recovery. Continuous and improved nutritional care is urgently needed to support patients in reaching nutritional adequacy.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.