Enteral nutrition with supplemented arginine, glutamine, RNA, and ω-3 fatty acids

During the past 10 years, standard nutritional formulas have been enriched with specific dietary substrates capable of modulating host defense mechanisms, the inflammation, gut function, and metabolic homeostasis. The rationale for using these immunonutrients in patients is based on the well-known postinjury alterations of the host response that affect morbidity and mortality. Several clinical trials demonstrated that the administration of supplemented diets may improve outcome of specific cohorts of surgical and trauma patients. This review summarizes the most relevant findings in this field of research and therapy.