O impacto do uso de imunonutrientes em pacientes críticos: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

In certain clinical situations, such as in patients in critical condition, there is dire need of an optimized immune response due to the lack of an effective supply of necessary nutrients to the cells that participate in this process. The clinical significance of this is demonstrated by the high incidence of infections in these patients due to the inability of the immune system to develop an effective response. Consequently, it was proposed that nutritional therapy could improve the immunological mechanisms of these patients. In this sense, it is vital that the professional nutritionist is updated on appropriate dietary formulations for each treatment. It is known that the immunonutrients has characteristic function in the diet and its proper use can be well exploited, can strengthen and accelerate the recovery of these patients. Moreover, it is of fundamental importance that health professionals and especially nutritionists have knowledge about immunonutrients and keep up to date. Thus, this project aimed to conduct a literature review on the main immunonutrients used in clinical practice and its impact on patients in critical condition. Data collection was conducted through electronic searches through the use of databases: Lilacs, Scielo, Medline and Google Scholar. We selected articles in Portuguese and English, with information on the use of immunonutrients in the clinical area. After searching the area of articles and selection thereof, the concept of immunonutrients was made, the characterization of the main immunonutrients used in clinical practice, the immunological mechanisms involved in critically ill patients and the influence of nutritional status in the treatment of critically ill patients. By performing this work have been sought updates on the subject, new perspectives and we aim to serve as an alternative material of consultation for health professionals, especially, clinical nutritionists.