Optimizing Nutritional Intake for Hospitalized Patients

In short, the nutritional intervention started upon hospital admission with optimization of energy and protein intake until discharge (usually after 3–5 weeks) [16 (link)]. The patients in the intervention group had their daily energy and protein requirement estimated according to World Health Organization recommendations, i.e., 126 to 167 kJ (30 to 40 kcal) per kg each day and 1.5–2.0 g protein/kg/each day [18 ] and validated by measuring the patients’ energy expenditure with indirect calorimetry, adding an activity factor. Oral intake was monitored by the patient’s self-reports with additional enteral parenteral nutrition if the estimated intake was insufficient, i.e,. lower than the estimated energy needs. Patients in the control group received a standard amount of parenteral nutrition combined with oral intake if possible.