Why is early enteral nutrition recommended in severe TBI?

• A. Provides energy and substrates for healing, reduces infection risk, and maintains gut integrity.
• B. Delays healing and increases infection.
• C. Does not affect outcomes.
• D. Only improves skin health.

Answer: (A)

Early enteral nutrition in severe traumatic brain injury is recommended because it supplies the energy and substrates the body needs for healing and brain metabolism, while also supporting immune function. Delivering nutrients through the gut soon after injury helps maintain the gut mucosal barrier, reducing bacterial translocation and lowering infection risk such as pneumonia and sepsis. Keeping the gut function active supports overall recovery, can shorten ICU stays and ventilation time, and is safer and more physiologic than relying on parenteral nutrition early on. While some statements suggest nutrition only affects skin or has no impact, evidence shows that early enteral feeding has broad benefits for healing, infection prevention, and outcomes.