Nutrition Key Messages

     •  Start enteral nutrition within 24–48 hours of ICU admission — don’t wait for bowel sounds

     •  Enteral nutrition is preferred over parenteral nutrition whenever the gut is functioning

     •  Avoid overfeeding — target 25–30 kcal/kg/day; start low (15–20) in the first 48 hours

     •  High protein provision (1.2–2.0 g/kg/day) is important for muscle preservation

     •  Screen for refeeding risk in all malnourished patients and give thiamine before starting

     •  Propofol provides significant fat calories — account for this when calculating nutritional intake     •  Glycaemic control is part of nutritional management — monitor glucose at least 4-hourly