Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (645 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
The administration of nutrients for assimilation and utilization by a patient by means other than normal eating. It does not include fluid therapy which normalizes body fluids to restore water-electrolyte balance.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Support, Nutritional; Artificial Feeding; Feeding, Artificial.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Nutrition Therapy
- Narrower topics
- Enteral Nutrition; Parenteral Nutrition
Related concepts
- Fluid Therapy
- Water-Electrolyte Balance
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 52,609 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Nutritional Support” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 7,403 of them (14.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 22,830 records.
Reviews account for 10,137 records (19.3%) and meta-analyses for 726. Randomized controlled trials number 3,553 (6.8%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 22,830 |
| 2000-2009 | 10,275 |
| 2010-2019 | 12,101 |
| 2020 onward | 7,403 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 10,137 | 19.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 726 | 1.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 3,553 | 6.8% |
Method: PubMed query "Nutritional Support"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in public health and nutrition
Population and nutrition studies mostly observe what people eat, breathe or are exposed to and then look for links with health, which shows association and not proof of cause. Self-reported diet is imprecise, people who eat or live differently also differ in other ways, and effects measured across a population may not apply to one person. Check the study design, how exposure was measured, what else was accounted for and the size of the effect, not only whether it was statistically significant.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Management in Chronic Pancreatitis: From Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency to Precision Therapy | 2025 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 11 | cc by PMID 40944111 · DOI · PMC12430654 |
| AI-Enabled Precision Nutrition in the ICU: A Narrative Review and Implementation Roadmap | 2025 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 8 | cc by PMID 41515227 · DOI · PMC12787373 |
| Guidelines for nutrition in adults with head and neck cancer: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 6 | cc by PMID 41773753 · DOI · PMC13047306 |
Nutritional Management in Chronic Pancreatitis: From Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency to Precision Therapy [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Chronic pancreatitis (CP) precipitates complex malnutrition through synergistic mechanisms: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency-driven maldigestion, duodenal or pancreatobiliary strictures limiting nutrient flow, cholestasis impairing micelle formation, alcohol-related anorexia, pain-induced hypophagia, proteolytic catabolism from type 3c diabetes, and a chronic inflammatory milieu that accelerates sarcopenia and bone demineralisation.
- Closing excerpt
- A structured, evidence-based strategy integrating PERT, macronutrient engineering, micronutrient repletion and metabolic surveillance is essential to mitigate nutrition-related morbidity, enhance long-term outcomes and optimise quality of life in CP.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (192 words)
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) precipitates complex malnutrition through synergistic mechanisms: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency-driven maldigestion, duodenal or pancreatobiliary strictures limiting nutrient flow, cholestasis impairing micelle formation, alcohol-related anorexia, pain-induced hypophagia, proteolytic catabolism from type 3c diabetes, and a chronic inflammatory milieu that accelerates sarcopenia and bone demineralisation. Consequent calorie-protein depletion, micronutrient and fat-soluble vitamin deficits, and metabolic derangements markedly amplify morbidity. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) with targeted micronutrient repletion is foundational; high-protein regimens co-administered with PERT curb muscle loss, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can augment caloric delivery by bypassing lipase dependence, although their benefit over personalised dietetic counselling is marginal. Optimal dietary fat thresholds and timing of escalation from oral to enteral or parenteral feeding remain unresolved. Comprehensive care also demands alcohol abstinence, effective analgesia and stringent glycaemic control. Serial monitoring-biochemical indices, densitometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and imaging-based body-composition metrics-permits early detection of high-risk patients and precision tailoring of interventions. Intensified multidisciplinary programmes already improve prognostic endpoints and are unveiling biomarkers of nutritional resilience. A structured, evidence-based strategy integrating PERT, macronutrient engineering, micronutrient repletion and metabolic surveillance is essential to mitigate nutrition-related morbidity, enhance long-term outcomes and optimise quality of life in CP.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40944111 · DOI · PMC12430654
AI-Enabled Precision Nutrition in the ICU: A Narrative Review and Implementation Roadmap [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in intensive care units (ICUs) to enable personalized care, real-time analytics, and decision support.
- Closing excerpt
- Implementation should prioritize transparency, equity, and workflow integration.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (203 words)
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in intensive care units (ICUs) to enable personalized care, real-time analytics, and decision support. Nutritional therapy-a major determinant of ICU outcomes-often remains delayed or non-individualized. Objective: This study aimed to review current and emerging AI applications in ICU nutrition, highlighting clinical potential, implementation barriers, and ethical considerations. Methods: A narrative review of English-language literature (January 2018-November 2025) searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, complemented by a pragmatic Google Scholar sweep and backward/forward citation tracking, was conducted. We focused on machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), and reinforcement learning (RL) applications for energy/protein estimation, feeding tolerance prediction, complication prevention, and adaptive decision support in critical-care nutrition. Results: AI models can estimate energy/protein needs, optimize EN/PN initiation and composition, predict gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance and metabolic complications, and adapt therapy in real time. Reinforcement learning (RL) and multi-omics integration enable precision nutrition by leveraging longitudinal physiology and biomarker trajectories. Key barriers are data quality/standardization, interoperability, model interpretability, staff training, and governance (privacy, fairness, accountability). Conclusions: With high-quality data, robust oversight, and clinician education, AI can complement human expertise to deliver safer, more targeted ICU nutrition. Implementation should prioritize transparency, equity, and workflow integration.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41515227 · DOI · PMC12787373
Guidelines for nutrition in adults with head and neck cancer: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundHead and neck cancer represents the seventh most common cancer diagnosis globally.
- Closing excerpt
- This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (250 words)
BackgroundHead and neck cancer represents the seventh most common cancer diagnosis globally. Maintaining sufficient nutrition is important for preventing malnutrition (undernutrition) and muscle wasting, which contribute to worse outcomes, although many patients are unable to maintain adequate oral intake throughout treatment. This guideline provides practice guidance on nutrition care for patients with head and neck cancer.MethodsAn interdisciplinary team developed key questions and scanned results from a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central databases back to 2001. Recommendations were created for key questions concerning timing and duration of nutrition support (early vs delayed enteral nutrition [EN], postoperative feeding, and perioperative dietitian intervention), frequency of dietitian and speech pathology consultations, nutrition screening and assessment, macronutrient requirements, enteral access devices, adjunctive strategies (appetite stimulants and continuation of oral intake alongside EN), specialized nutrients (arginine, glutamine, ω-3, and immunonutrition), and interdisciplinary care.ResultsNinety-two studies were included. Recommendations were made supporting early initiation of EN when oral intake is inadequate, nutrition within 24 h after surgery, weekly consultation with a dietitian during radiotherapy, malnutrition screening and assessment with validated tools, interdisciplinary models of care, dietitian involvement before and after surgery, and when to consider use of specialized nutrients. Recommendations are also provided for protein intake (1.2-1.5 g/kg/day) and energy intake (≥30 kcal/kg/day).ConclusionThis guideline provides guidance for the nutrition care of patients with head and neck cancer, identifies research gaps, and calls for standardized outcome reporting to further the state of the evidence. This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41773753 · DOI · PMC13047306
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients: ESICM clinical practice guidelines [4]
- Research article A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Milk Feeding and Morbidity in Very Low Birth Weight Infants [5]
- Research article Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements [6]
- Research article Enteral nutrition and corticosteroids in the treatment of acute Crohn's disease in children [7]
- Research article Systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence for oral nutritional intervention on nutritional and clinical outcomes during chemo(radio)therapy: current evidence and guidance for design of future trials [8]
- Research article Definition, prevalence, and outcome of feeding intolerance in intensive care: a systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
References
- Bruni A, Colecchia L, Dell'Anna G, Scalvini D, Mandarino FV, Lisotti A, et al.. Nutritional Management in Chronic Pancreatitis: From Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency to Precision Therapy. . 2025. PMID 40944111 · DOI · PMC12430654
- Briassoulis G, Briassouli E. AI-Enabled Precision Nutrition in the ICU: A Narrative Review and Implementation Roadmap. . 2025. PMID 41515227 · DOI · PMC12787373
- Kiss N, Findlay M, Frowen J, Lewis WE, Mills J, Singh AK, et al.. Guidelines for nutrition in adults with head and neck cancer: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. . 2026. PMID 41773753 · DOI · PMC13047306
- Reintam Blaser A, Starkopf J, Alhazzani W, Berger MM, Casaer MP, Deane AM, et al.. Early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients: ESICM clinical practice guidelines. Intensive Care Med. 2017. PMID 28168570 · DOI · PMC5323492
- Miller J, Tonkin E, Damarell RA, McPhee AJ, Suganuma M, Suganuma H, et al.. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Milk Feeding and Morbidity in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. Nutrients. 2018. PMID 29857555 · DOI · PMC6024377
- Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012. PMID 22212388 · DOI
- Heuschkel RB, Menache CC, Megerian JT, Baird AE. Enteral nutrition and corticosteroids in the treatment of acute Crohn's disease in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2000. PMID 10896064 · DOI
- de van der Schueren MAE, Laviano A, Blanchard H, Jourdan M, Arends J, Baracos VE. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence for oral nutritional intervention on nutritional and clinical outcomes during chemo(radio)therapy: current evidence and guidance for design of future trials. Ann Oncol. 2018. PMID 29788170 · DOI · PMC5961292
- Blaser AR, Starkopf J, Kirsimägi Ü, Deane AM. Definition, prevalence, and outcome of feeding intolerance in intensive care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2014. PMID 24611520 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.