ICU feeding showdown: continuous vs intermittent – which is better for recovery?

NCT ID NCT07173504

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Gelderse Vallei Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether giving tube feeding in four daytime portions (intermittent) is better than the standard 24-hour continuous drip for critically ill patients in the ICU. Researchers will track blood sugar control, gut function, sleep quality, and muscle loss in 124 adults over up to 5 days. The goal is to find a feeding pattern that improves metabolic health without harming recovery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: intermittent enteral nutrition (tube feeding given in four 1-hour daytime portions)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a better feeding schedule for ICU patients, potentially improving blood sugar control and recovery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (124 people) looking at short-term effects over only 5 days. Results may not apply to all ICU patients or lead to clear changes in care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CRITICAL ILLNESS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Critical Illness

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CRITICAL ILLNESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Deventer Ziekenhuis
RECRUITING

Deventer, Overijssel, 7416 SE, Netherlands
Gelderse Vallei Hospital
RECRUITING

Ede, Gelderland, 6716 RP, Netherlands
Haga Ziekenhuis
RECRUITING

The Hague, South Holland, 2545 AA, Netherlands
Martini Ziekenhuis
RECRUITING

Groningen, Provincie Groningen, 9728NT, Netherlands
Medisch Spectrum Twente
RECRUITING

Enschede, Overijssel, 7512KZ, Netherlands

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.