Individualizing post-ICU nutrition: from guideline intent to bedside practice

Why post-ICU nutrition deserves attention

Surviving critical illness is only the first step. In this review, published in Current Opinion in Critical Care, Oona Leemans, Claude Pichard, Paul Wischmeyer, Arthur R.H. van Zanten, Elisabeth De Waele and colleagues explore why ICU survivors remain nutritionally vulnerable after discharge, and how individualised nutrition strategies can support recovery.

What you will learn

This publication gives healthcare professionals a clear overview of the post-ICU nutrition gap, including:

• How energy and protein delivery decline after ICU discharge, despite ongoing metabolic demands
• Why ICU survivors typically receive only 63–83% of protein and 52–102% of recommended calories during the post-ICU period
• Common barriers to nutritional adequacy, such as premature feeding tube removal, poor care transitions, appetite loss, dysphagia and fatigue
• How patient and family engagement can improve monitoring and continuity of care

The authors describe the post-ICU period as a metabolic danger zone.

Access the full publication

Click View Content to access the full publication through a trusted source. The review offers more detail on barriers to nutritional adequacy after discharge and practical strategies for individualised care. Explore Danone Nutricia Campus for further courses and resources on critical care and medical nutrition.