Future Research

Abstract

The introduction of parenteral nutrition and improvements in enteral nutrition have been a major advance in medical practice. But nutritional therapy is too-often guided by empiricism. Nutritional research has proven inadequate as a guide to evidence-based clinical practice. True, we know a lot about macronutrients, micronutrients, and trace elements. Still, in the daily practice of nutrition support, we are too often forced to say, “Well, I think that’s the best way to do it,” rather than being sure. Granted, few medical therapies of any sort are either totally understood or completely defined. But the uncertainty quotient in nutrition is too high. Clinical questions ranging from the definition of malnutrition to the treatment of obese patients, would greatly benefit from new and better research.