Nourishing the dysfunctional gut and whey protein.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses the mechanisms of the dysfunctional gut during the critical illness and the possibility that an immunonutrient such as whey protein can play a role in better tolerance of enteral nutrition, also decreasing inflammation and increasing anti-inflammatory defenses. RECENT
FINDINGS: Impaired gastric motor function and associated feed intolerance are common issues in critically ill patients. Some studies have been published with enteral nutrition enriched with whey protein as a dietary protein supplement that provides antimicrobial activity, immune modulation, improving muscle strength and body composition, and preventing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
SUMMARY: Early enteral feeding will enhance patient recovery and the use of enteral diets enriched with whey protein may play a role in these patients.