Pectin Supplemented Enteral Feedings in Critically Ill Patients

The Effect of Pectin Supplement on Enteral Nutrition-related Complications in Critically Ill Patients

The current study will enroll critically ill patients who are going to require enteral nutrition support and randomize them to standard formula enteral nutrition or pectin-supplemented enteral nutrition in 7 days. The occurrence of enteral nutrition-related complications will be recorded and compared between groups.

The study is trying to assess whether the use of pectin will improve the enteral nutrition-related complications in critically ill patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18-80 years old, with informed consent to participate;
• Critically ill patients who require enteral nutrition support

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with lung infection at admission
• Condition which contraindicates enteral feeding (i.e. intestinal obstruction)
• Lack of enteral access
• Any condition that would contraindicate use of the enteral nutrition
• Require enteral nutrition support for less than 1week or more than 4 weeks from enrollment