The Effect of Sequential Feeding for Circadian Rhythm and Gut Flora Rhythm in Critically Ill Patients

In our department, the ICU patients received continuous feeding or sequential feeding. Patients received continuous feeding with a constant velocity by an enteral feeding pump over one day. In sequential feeding type, after achieving ≥80% of the nutrition target calories (25-30 kcal/kg/d), the patients received intermittent feeding. The total daily dosage of enteral nutrition was equally distributed during three periods at 7-9:00, 11-13:00 and 17-19:00. The enteral nutritional suspension administered during each period was given at a uniform rate within two hours by an enteral feeding pump. The other times of the day were fasting times.