Chronobiology and Enteral Nutrition

Plain-language summary

Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) is critical for patients with impaired oral intake and is typically administered via enteral nutrition (EN). Current infusion practices-continuous 24-hour enteral nutrition for hospitalised patients-may induce circadian misalignment (chronodisruption). This misalignment can negatively impact metabolic function, sleep quality, and overall quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Synchronising MNT administration with circadian rhythms may improve metabolic balance, sleep, and patient well-being. Hypothesis: The timing of the administration of Medical Nutritional Therapy via continuous enteral nutrition (EN) in hospitalised patients may induce chronodisruption in biological rhythms (clock genes). This disruption can affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, contributing to morbidity and altering chronotype, quality of life, and sleep patterns.

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