Immunonutrition - fact or fad.

Suggestions that modifications to the diet may have a beneficial effect on health are not new. recent work demonstrates that nutritional supplements may effect immune function. This review examines the evidence for the effects of these supplements including arginine, glutamine, nucleotides and omega - 3 fatty acids. In particular, clinical trials with patients in multiple organ failure are discussed. The evidence published thus far suggests that immunonutrition, if absorbed in adequate amounts both pre- and post-operatively, reduces septic complications and improves surrogate measures of ourcome, including length of stay and requirements for mechanical ventilation.