The authors raise a discussion on nutritional needs of severely traumatized patients under the currently knowledges about the pathophysiology of trauma, particularly in head injury patients. Special attention to the hypermetabolic and hypercatabolic states is given. Some considerations about dietary glucose and protein interactions are made. Finally, the authors expose the diet composition currently used in their institution. Routes and volumes for diet administration are commented. Questions about further studies in some areas of this field are also stated.
head injury; metabolism; enteral feeding