104 CHAPTER 6 6.5 CONCLUSION A large proportion of ICU-survivors did not achieve protein adequacy of 1.2 g/ kg/d during both ICU-stay and in the first year of ICU-recovery. Patients receiving only oral diet alone in the ICU were more likely to have low caloric and protein intake, whereas dietary supplements during ICU and the recovery phase improved protein and energy adequacy. Low protein intake was correlated with higher BMI and less visits to a registered dietician or use of dietary supplements. However, no notable correlation was found between protein intake and ICU and hospital-readmissions or 1-year mortality. This study emphasises the need for continuous nutritional care throughout the recovery phase of ICU-survivors and a more in-depth understanding of the physiological mechanisms behind prolonged ICU-related catabolism. In addition, development of improved methods to complement nutritional assessment is essential to provide more in-depth information on dietary patterns during recovery.
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