Micronutrient supplementation Benefits critically ill adults

Elderly and critically ill people are more likely to have lower energy intakes and lower intakes of important micronutrients.  Ensuring optimal nutrition is very important in promoting the health and well-being of older adults.

A latest study published in the July 2011 issue of Nutrition assessed the effects of micronutrient supplementation on adults recovering from critical illness. Primary outcomes included clinical endpoints (mortality, infectious complications, length of intensive care unit and of hospital stay). Secondary outcomes included descriptions of practice issues, micronutrient status, morbidity, course of the acute-phase response, and oxidative stress.

Thirty-three randomized-controlled trials were included for the primary and secondary objectives.  Fourteen trials (n = 1468) showed a statistically significant decrease in overall mortality. Six RCTs (n = 1194) indicated a statistically significant decrease in 28-d mortality. Micronutrient supplementation was not associated with a decrease in infectious complications, length of intensive care unit, or length of hospital stay. In subgroup analyses, a sensitivity analysis of combined micronutrients indicated a significant decrease in mortality. The secondary outcomes confirmed that timing, duration, and dosing of supplementation appear to be key factors to ensure optimal clinical benefit.

The study authors conclude that there is a potential benefit of micronutrient supplementation in critically ill adults by possibly being associated with a decrease in mortality.

Source:
Janicke Visser et al; July 2011 Vol 27 (7):745-758

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From Helen Wenley @ Healthy Aging Resources