Amino Acid Nutrition in the Critically-ill

Study patients in this group will be prescribed 1.0 g/kg/d of protein using standard enteral Peptamen 1.5%. Based on current compliance or tolerance statistics, investigators expect patients to only receive 50-60% of these prescribed doses; effective protein intake will therefore be approximately 0.5-0.6 g/kg/d.

Patients in group 2 will receive Peptamen 1.5% but in addition, will receive sufficient intravenous amino acid supplements (Prosol 20%) to achieve an effective fixed dose of 1.75 g/kg/day.

Patients in this group will receive intravenous amino acids, Prosol 20% in addition to standard enteral Peptamen 1.5% to achieve an effective protein intake of 2.5 g/kg/d.