Research Article
Effect of High-Calorie, High-Protein Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients: A Pilot Study
Bathina H1 and Kelkar N2*
1Department of Clinical Dietetics, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
2Department of Clinical Nutrition Excellence Academy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
2Department of Clinical Nutrition Excellence Academy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
*Corresponding author:Dr. Nikhil Kelkar, Department of Nutrition Excellence Academy Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. E-mail Id: nikhilkelkar@hexagonnutrition.com
Article Information:Submission: 08/12/2025; Accepted: 03/01/2026; Published: 06/01/2026
Copyright: © 2026 Bathina H, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background: The role of high-caloric, high-protein (HCHP) supplementation in the management of critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has garnered significant attention. This study explores the effects of a 100% whey protein supplement on nutritional status, clinical outcomes, and recovery in ICU patients.
Materials and Methods: This prospective pilot study examined 30 ICU patients who received HCHP supplementation. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Modified Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and other anthropometric measurements.
Biochemical parameters, mortality rates, length of ICU stay, and overall health outcomes were assessed. Safety considerations and potential adverse effects, such as redness, itching, bloating, and diarrhea, were also monitored. Results: Several biochemical parameters demonstrated statistical trends toward improvement; however, only random blood sugar met minimal clinically important difference threshold, while albumin did not. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) indicated small magnitude for albumin and moderate magnitude for RBS.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that HCHP supplementation in ICU patients can lead to improved handgrip strength and overall recovery. However, safety concerns such as skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues require further investigation. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about optimal nutritional strategies in critical care settings and suggest that HCHP supplementation could be a valuable component of ICU patient care. Findings suggest feasibility and potential benefit, although the absence of a control group and small, heterogeneous sample restrict causal inference. These pilot data support the need for a powered randomized controlled trial.
Materials and Methods: This prospective pilot study examined 30 ICU patients who received HCHP supplementation. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Modified Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and other anthropometric measurements.
Biochemical parameters, mortality rates, length of ICU stay, and overall health outcomes were assessed. Safety considerations and potential adverse effects, such as redness, itching, bloating, and diarrhea, were also monitored. Results: Several biochemical parameters demonstrated statistical trends toward improvement; however, only random blood sugar met minimal clinically important difference threshold, while albumin did not. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) indicated small magnitude for albumin and moderate magnitude for RBS.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that HCHP supplementation in ICU patients can lead to improved handgrip strength and overall recovery. However, safety concerns such as skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues require further investigation. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about optimal nutritional strategies in critical care settings and suggest that HCHP supplementation could be a valuable component of ICU patient care. Findings suggest feasibility and potential benefit, although the absence of a control group and small, heterogeneous sample restrict causal inference. These pilot data support the need for a powered randomized controlled trial.