Can extra protein save lives in the ICU?

NCT ID NCT04475666

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether giving extra protein through feeding tubes to critically ill patients on ventilators can lower the chance of death within 90 days. About 2,500 adults in ICUs will get either a high-protein or standard-protein diet starting day 5. The goal is to see if more protein helps patients survive and leave the hospital sooner.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: enteral protein supplement
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that giving more protein to critically ill patients helps them survive and recover faster.
What could go wrong: This is a large trial, but nutrition interventions often show modest effects. The results may not apply to all ICU patients.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Critical Illness nutritional disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CRITICAL ILLNESS NUTRITION DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Intensive Care Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City
RECRUITING

Riyadh, 11426, Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz Medical city
RECRUITING

Jeddah, Jeddah, 21423, Saudi Arabia

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