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.