Abstract

Background: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the management of critically ill patients. Malnutrition in the ICU is associated with impaired immune response, prolonged inflammation, muscle wasting, and increased mortality. Optimizing nutritional support is not merely a supportive therapy but a core intervention that influences outcomes in critical care.

Objective: This presentation explores the intricate relationship between nutrition and mortality in the ICU, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Methods: The discussion synthesizes data from recent clinical trials, guidelines, and meta-analyses, focusing on:
• The impact of early and adequate nutritional intervention on ICU mortality.
• Comparative effectiveness of enteral vs. parenteral nutrition.
• The role of immunonutrition in modulating systemic inflammation and sepsis outcomes.
• The importance of personalized nutrition based on metabolic and risk assessment tools such as the         NUTRIC score.

Results: Evidence demonstrates that early enteral nutrition within 24–48 hours is associated with reduced infection rates, shorter ICU stays, and improved survival. Adequate protein intake (1.2–2.0 g/kg/day) and tailored caloric support (20–30 kcal/kg/day) are critical in reducing catabolism and promoting recovery. Conversely, overfeeding or underfeeding can exacerbate complications, including refeeding syndrome and metabolic instability.

Conclusion: Nutrition is a cornerstone of critical care that significantly impacts mortality and morbidity in the ICU. Adherence to guidelines, early initiation of nutritional support, and individualized strategies are essential for improving outcomes. Further research is necessary to refine protocols and address challenges in delivering optimal nutrition to critically ill patients. Keywords: Nutrition, Mortality, ICU, Enteral Nutrition, Critical Care, Malnutrition, Immunonutrition