Impact of Sequential Feeding on Circadian Rhythms and Gut Flora in Critically Ill Patients

The Effect of Sequential Feeding for Circadian Rhythm and Gut Flora Rhythm in Critically Ill Patients

Observational Qingdao University · NCT06083831

This study is testing if changing the way critically ill patients are fed can help their bodies work better by syncing with their natural body clock and improving gut health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQingdao University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Qingdao, Shan Dong Province)
Trial IDNCT06083831 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how sequential feeding patterns may influence circadian rhythms and gut flora in critically ill patients. It aims to determine if adjusting feeding schedules can improve metabolic indicators and immune responses by aligning with the body's natural circadian clock. The study will monitor patients newly admitted to the ICU and compare outcomes between those receiving sequential feeding versus continuous feeding. The focus is on understanding the relationship between feeding patterns, circadian rhythms, and gut microbiome changes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients newly admitted to the ICU who can tolerate enteral feeding.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance metabolic health and immune function in critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some success with sequential feeding impacting metabolic indicators and gut flora, suggesting potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients newly admitted to ICU were eligible for inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* An estimated feeding time of less than 10 days in ICU;
* Diabetes;
* Gastrointestinal disease (gastrointestinal surgery, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome);
* Inability to tolerate ≥80% of the nutrition target calories (25-30 kcal/kg/d) with enteral feeding through gastric tube;
* The ability to eat orally at admission.

Where this trial is running

Qingdao, Shan Dong Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Feeding PatternsCritical IllnessCircadian Rhythm Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.