Organ-specific nutrition: One for the history books or still an active player?

Purpose of Review Critical illness frequently involves multi-organ failure and it can be difficult to treat nutritional derangements in these patients. Organ-specific formulas were initially created to meet the specific nutritional needs of critically ill patients. Formulas have been developed to augment pulmonary, pancreas, liver, and renal failure. There is overall minimal evidence evaluating these formulas and many of the studies are small. Recent Findings A few large randomized trials have been done and the results are not supportive of widespread use of these enteral formulas. Summary This review will evaluate the evidence and current guidelines of organ-specific nutritional formulas for the lung, pancreas, liver, and kidney.