A Trial of Enteral Colostrum on Intestinal Permeability in Critically Ill Patients

A randomized, double blind, controlled trial will be conducted in general intensive care unit (ICU) in Tehran, Iran. After a full review of the inclusion and exclusion criteria and explanation of the risks and benefits of the study, written consent form will be completed. Intervention patients will be received 20 g/day of colostrum along with enteral formula and control patients will be received maltodextrin along with enteral formula. Patients will be evaluated for plasma endotoxin and plasma zonulin.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (>18 years old) admitted to ICU
• Start of study intervention within 48 hours after ICU admission
• Expected to require enteral nutrition for at least 72 hours aiming for full enteral nutrition and receive at least 80 percent of enteral formula during the first 48 hour
• Written informed consent of patient or written informed consent of legal representative

Exclusion criteria

• Enrollment in a related ICU interventional study
• Requiring other specific enteral nutrition for medical reason
• Death or Discharge before 5th day
• Having any contra-indication to receive enteral nutrition
• Pregnant patients or lactating with the intent to breastfeed
• BMI <18 or > 40.0 kg/m2
• Have life expectancy of <6 mo
• Patients who are moribund
• History of allergy or intolerance to the study product components
• Receiving colostrum during two weeks before start study product
• Have other reasons