Does Extra Enteral Protein Affect 90-Day ICU Outcomes?

Intensive care unit (ICU) dietary guidelines have recommended increasing protein supplementation to preserve lean body mass and improve outcomes; however, more recent guidance has softened that recommendation (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2022; 46:12). To investigate further, researchers in Australia and New Zealand conducted a randomized crossover trial, with 3400 patients in eight ICUs: In four ICUs, patients received usual-dose enteral protein (63 g/L); in the other four, patients received high (augmented) enteral protein (100 g/L). Every 3 months for 1 year, all ICUs switched to the alternate protein formula for new patients.

High- or usual-dose protein resulted in similar outcomes for 90-day mortality, hospital-free days, ICU or hospita…