N-3 fatty acids and γ-linolenic acid supplementation in the nutritional support of ventilated patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are among the most frequent etiologies for admission to the intensive care unit. These patients are at a high risk of malnutrition due to hypercatabolism caused by inflammation, drugs, and de-conditioning. Nutrition should support minimizing the loss of lean body mass and accurately meet energy demands. Additional use of omega-3 fatty acid, γ-linolenic acid, and antioxidant-enriched diets has been suggested in recent years as a tool to improve outcome in ALI/ARDS patients. More recent findings have taught us that too much of these supplements are detrimental and that the bolus administration may not be as efficient as continuous administration.