Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics 1 2 2015 10 05 63 70 EN Maryam Hajishafiee Food Security Research Center AND Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Leila Azadbakht Food Security Research Center AND Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Peyman Adibi Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2015 10 05 2015 10 05 Background: Malnutrition has been the most prevalent problem in hospitalized patients during recent years, which accentuate the paramount importance of comprehensive nutritional  support  among  these  patients. This  study aimed  to provide a review of the recent literature about intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients and their nutritional care. Methods: This review on energy and nutrient requirements for feeding the ICU inpatients focused on literature in English language. An on-line search using the keywords “nutritional support, malnutrition, ICU inpatients, micronutrient deficiencies, critically ill” in ISI web of science, PubMed, Scopus journals published  during  the  years (June  1979-November 2014)  was  run.  The  cross- sectional and prospective studies, as well as the clinical trials, were recruited into this investigation. Results: Recent studies propose energy provision with 20-25 Kcal/Kg/day or 25-35 Kcal/Kg/day for critically ill patients. The recommended carbohydrate and protein intakes are 2-4 g/Kg/day, 1.2-1.5 g/Kg/day, respectively. The suggested fat intake is 25-30% of a total calorie. The latest studies stressed the need for antioxidant vitamins and trace elements such as A, C, β-carotene, E, selenium, magnesium and zinc among ICU inpatients. Conclusion: High prevalence of malnutrition among ICU inpatients caution to provide a nutritional health care team, including professionals and dietitians who evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and supplementations. Energy requirement should be determined according to their nutritional and clinical status; then macro and micronutrient needs should be considered for ICU inpatients. https://jnsd.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jnsd/article/view/10 https://jnsd.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jnsd/article/download/10/10