A Fat-Modified Enteral Formula Improves Feeding Tolerance in Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Improvement of fat digestion and absorption was supposed to relieve feeding intolerance. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of a fat-modified enteral formula on feeding tolerance in critically ill patients. Materials and Methods: This trial was conducted in 7 hospitals in China. In total, 144 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with estimated need of enteral nutrition (EN) for at least 5 days were randomly given fat-modified enteral formula containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), carnitine, and taurine (interventional feed group, n = 71) or standard enteral formula (control feed group, n = 73). EN intake, feeding intolerance (diarrhea, vomiting, gastric retention, and abdominal distension) and outcomes (mechanical ventilator-free days of 28 days, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality) were collected. Results: Daily calories and protein intake were increased in the interventional feed group compared with the control feed group (P < .01). Total incidence...