A new analysis of 18 clinical trials and 8 previous meta-analyses finds that giving critically ill patients high-protein supplements does not reduce their risk of dying. In fact, when the high-protein intervention lasted more than 14 days, there was a slight increase in mortality. The overall effect on death was neutral, meaning extra protein offered no clear benefit.
The analysis included thousands of critically ill patients from various studies. Researchers compared high-protein supplementation to standard or conventional protein intake. The main outcome was overall mortality. For short-term use, there was no difference. But for longer use (over two weeks), the death rate was slightly higher in the high-protein group, though the result was borderline significant.
No safety issues were reported in the analysis, but the long-term finding raises caution. The authors note that this is an association, not proof that high protein causes harm. The evidence comes from a meta-analysis of randomized trials, which is generally strong, but the long-term result needs more study.
What this means for patients and families: If you or a loved one is critically ill, high-protein supplements are not a proven way to improve survival. Doctors should weigh the potential risks of prolonged high-protein feeding. This is not a reason to stop all protein, but it suggests that more is not always better.