Complete high-protein, high-calorie diet with fiber
Covid 19
COVID-19 has been characterised by very diverse clinical manifestations, all of which are still not known to us. Besides its well-known respiratory effect, the virus causes a disproportionate immunological response in many individuals, including an inflammatory reaction of major proportions. Acute respiratory complications that must be addressed in an intensive care unit (ICU) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.
Patients experiencing worse results and higher mortality rates include immuno-compromised patients – that is, older adults and polymorbid individuals as well as malnourished persons in general. Both ICU stays and patient groups such as these are commonly associated with a high risk of malnutrition. Moreover, the virus causes significant loss of appetite accompanies by other symptoms such as loss of the senses of smell and taste as well as diarrhoea. These increase the risk of illness-related malnutrition.
It is likewise important to point out the requirement for prolonged ICU stays, which can directly worsen or cause malnutrition, together with a severe loss of muscle mass and function that can lead to incapacitation, negatively affect quality of life and bring about additional morbidity. It is important to note possible dysphagia, especially in patients requiring prolonged orotracheal intubation or those who have suffered significant loss of muscle mass or are predisposed to the illness based on previous pathologies.
And lastly, we cannot overlook the deleterious effect that diseases like obesity have on the risk of a poor outcome related to COVID-19.
Both ASPEN and ESPEN recommend that the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition be routinely included in the treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19.
Once the acute phase is over, we need to monitor patients’ nutritional and muscular recovery.
Vegenat Healthcare has a broad portfolio of products that allow us to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients, including complete enteral nutrition, oral supplements, protein modules and products to treat dysphagia.
Ballesteros Pomar MD, Bretón Lesmes I. Nutrición Clínica en tiempos de COVID-19. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.endinu.2020.05.001
Barazzoni R, Bischoff SC, Krznaric Z, Pirlich M, Singer P, endorsed by the ESPEN Council, Espen.
expert statements and practical guidance for nutritional management of individuals with sars-cov-2 infection, Clinical Nutrition, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2020.03.022
Nutrition Therapy in the Patient with COVID-19 Disease Requiring ICU Care (April 1 2020). SCCM and ASPEN.
Tdiet 2
Complete high protein and high energy tube feed with fiber indicated for the dietary management of patients with diseases accompanied by malnutrition and patients with high protein and high energy requirements
Atémpero enteral
Complete high-protein, high-calorie diet with fiber enriched in omega-3, L-arginine and nucleotides
