Refeeding syndrome

Refeeding syndrome is a group of biochemical shifts resulting in clinical symptoms that can occur in malnourished or starved individuals when reintroducing nutrition. The lack of an agreed definition makes the incidence difficult to determine. Risk factors proposed by NICE in 2006 lack specificity and sensitivity but act as a framework to identify individuals potentially at risk. During starvation, there is a reduction in insulin secretion and an increase in glucagon to promote glycogenesis. The introduction of carbohydrate results in insulin secretion, stimulating the sodium –potassium pump that drives electrolytes into cells.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Nutrition Source Type: research