Time-restricted feeding for critically ill patients

The Safety and Feasibility of a 12-hour Time-Limited Enteral Feeding Protocol in Critically Ill Adults

NA · University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06741761

This study is testing if a 12-hour feeding schedule is safe and effective for critically ill patients compared to the usual 24-hour feeding to see how it affects their health and recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Kansas)
Trial IDNCT06741761 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the feasibility and safety of a 12-hour enteral feeding protocol compared to a standard 24-hour feeding protocol in critically ill patients. The goal is to determine how these different feeding schedules impact feeding tolerance, blood sugar control, and other health factors. The trial will involve a 10-day intervention period where participants will be monitored for safety and effectiveness of the feeding protocols. Investigators aim to gather preliminary data on the effects of time-restricted feeding on glycemic control, sleep, and long-term outcomes in critical care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are critically ill and receiving continuous enteral nutrition in an intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients who are on comfort measures only, have recent GI surgeries, or are expected to undergo procedures requiring removal of study devices may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve nutritional management and overall recovery for critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: While time-restricted feeding is a novel approach in critical care, similar studies in other populations have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (≥18 years of age)
* With critical illness (hospitalized in an intensive care unit with a status of "ICU")
* Who have received orders for continuous enteral nutrition

Exclusion Criteria:

* "Comfort Measures Only" status
* Have orders to receive trickle feedings (feeding rate ≤10mL/hr)
* Recent surgical procedure on the GI tract (within previous 5 days at time of recruitment) or admission for GI bleed
* Receiving continuous sedation
* Expected to undergo a procedure requiring removal of study devices in the three days following enrollment
* History of malabsorptive bariatric surgery
* Admitted for a burn injury
* Known intolerance to feeding rates \>100mL/hr
* Current diagnosis of pancreatitis, ileus or gastroparesis (only if using a gastrostomy tube)
* Requiring intermittent or continuous renal replacement therapy
* Pregnant or lactating
* On an intermittent feeding schedule
* Nutritional needs would require a rate higher than 120mL/hr on TRF12 protocol
* Lack of clearance by primary physician

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Kansas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Critical Illness, time-restricted feeding, enteral feeding, critical illness, intermittent fasting

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.