Whole body protein turnover in critically ill patients with multiple organ failure.

Background & Aims: To evaluate the effect of nutrition therapy on protein turnover in critically ill patients isotopically labeled amino acids can be used. Here parallel measurements using (13)C-leucine and (2)H5-phenylalanine were performed to evaluate if one tracer was to be preferred.

Methods: As a reference group, healthy volunteers (n = 8) were studied in the postabsorptive state and during parenteral nutrition delivery.