Critically ill patients often face challenges such as rapid muscle loss, which can hinder their recovery process. To address this issue, researchers from the University of Adelaide conducted a trial to assess the impact of a high-protein nutritional formula on patient outcomes.
The TARGET Protein Trial involved 3,397 patients from multiple intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand. These patients were randomly assigned to receive either a higher protein (100g/L) nutritional formula or a lower protein (63g/L) formula. Over the course of a 12-month open-label crossover trial, patients were given one formula for three months before switching to the alternate formula for the next three months.
The findings of the study, published in JAMA by Matthew Summers, a Ph.D. Candidate and ICU Research Dietitian, and Associate Professor Lee-anne Chapple, a Senior ICU Dietitian and Research Fellow, revealed that increased protein delivery did not significantly impact patient outcomes. There was no noticeable improvement in factors such as time spent outside the hospital, ventilation duration, ICU stay, tracheostomy insertion, kidney replacement therapy, or hospital discharge destination.
Interestingly, the study also found that the higher protein formula could potentially lead to harmful outcomes in patients with acute kidney failure. As a result, caution should be exercised when providing higher protein amounts to patients, especially those with kidney injuries.
Despite the unexpected results, Associate Professor Chapple noted that further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of higher protein delivery during the recovery phase of critical illness. The focus will be on identifying the optimal timing for protein interventions to enhance long-term recovery for critically ill patients.
In conclusion, while the study did not find immediate benefits from augmented enteral protein delivery during critical illness, it opens the door for more research to improve patient outcomes in the future. The University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital’s intensive care nutrition research program will continue to investigate the role of protein interventions in enhancing recovery from critical illness.
For more information, you can access the study titled “Augmented Enteral Protein During Critical Illness” published in JAMA (2025) by Matthew J. Summers et al. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.9110.
This research was conducted by the University of Adelaide and provides valuable insights into the role of protein nutrition in critical care settings. More information can be found on the University of Adelaide website.
