Nutritional impact of omega 3 fatty acids and metabolites in acute and chronic critical illness

Purpose of review

Lipids have been utilized historically as a calorie dense means to ensure delivery of essential fatty acids (FA). Since the development of mixed lipid emulsion and investigation of immunomodulatory formulas, there has been an awakening that not all lipids are created equal. This narrative review focuses on contemporary evidence in the utilization of lipids (namely omega 3 fatty acids) in both acute and chronic critical illness.

Recent findings

Though randomized control trials and meta-analyses provide little guidance regarding clinical practice for patients suffering from chronic critical illness, available literature suggests the potential to use lipid formulas to decrease the inflammatory cycle that drives catabolism. Additionally, this review will address the expanding evidence that specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) may be the future of immunomodulating inflammation in acute and chronic critical illness and the persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolic syndrome (PICS).

Summary

Although societal guidelines, expert consensus, and literature support the use of omega 3 fatty acids in the acute critically ill population, more research is needed regarding omega 3 fatty acids for chronic critical illness and PICS.

Source: Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care - February 4, 2022 Category: Nutrition Tags: LIPID METABOLISM AND THERAPY: Edited by Philip C. Calder and Manpreet S. Mundi Source Type: research