Micronutrients such as vitamins, trace elements, and electrolytes are essential nutrients needed in small amounts. They play a central role in the metabolism and maintenance of tissue function by acting as cofactors and coenzymes, participating in genomic stability, and playing as antioxidants. In patients with clinical signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiency, supplementation is usually recommended. However, for asymptomatic individuals and for specific patients, such as critically ill patients, the recommendation of supplementation is less clear. Considering that metabolic changes such as mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress are common disorders within the path of critically ill patients, several micronutrients that could act in cellular homeostasis have been studied in recent decades. However, in most studies, there is no evident improvement in the survival of critically ill patients. Some problems related to the inconsistency of clinical trials are the study design, doses, route, timing, length of intervention, and the chosen endpoints. In addition, in recent years the multi-nutrient administration has gained strength, as it considers the interaction between the different compounds for a better health outcome.
Considering the high mortality rate and the rationale for micronutrient administration in critically ill patients, the aim of this Research Topic is to publish articles (research papers, reviews, reports) analyzing micronutrient status or supplementation in critically ill patients. Papers focused on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are also welcome.
The topics include but are not limited to:
- Micronutrients status and supplementation in critically ill patients.
- Insights of mechanisms regarding micronutrients supplementation in critically ill patients.
- Clinical and experimental data related to micronutrient actions.
- Recommendations for routine clinical practice.
Micronutrients such as vitamins, trace elements, and electrolytes are essential nutrients needed in small amounts. They play a central role in the metabolism and maintenance of tissue function by acting as cofactors and coenzymes, participating in genomic stability, and playing as antioxidants. In patients with clinical signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiency, supplementation is usually recommended. However, for asymptomatic individuals and for specific patients, such as critically ill patients, the recommendation of supplementation is less clear. Considering that metabolic changes such as mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress are common disorders within the path of critically ill patients, several micronutrients that could act in cellular homeostasis have been studied in recent decades. However, in most studies, there is no evident improvement in the survival of critically ill patients. Some problems related to the inconsistency of clinical trials are the study design, doses, route, timing, length of intervention, and the chosen endpoints. In addition, in recent years the multi-nutrient administration has gained strength, as it considers the interaction between the different compounds for a better health outcome.
Considering the high mortality rate and the rationale for micronutrient administration in critically ill patients, the aim of this Research Topic is to publish articles (research papers, reviews, reports) analyzing micronutrient status or supplementation in critically ill patients. Papers focused on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are also welcome.
The topics include but are not limited to:
- Micronutrients status and supplementation in critically ill patients.
- Insights of mechanisms regarding micronutrients supplementation in critically ill patients.
- Clinical and experimental data related to micronutrient actions.
- Recommendations for routine clinical practice.