The effects of dietary fiber on common complications in critically ill patients; with a special focus on viral infections; a systematic reveiw

BACKGROUND: Viral infections are mostly highly contagious and may cause widespread health problems. Some studies reported that the dietary fiber (DF) may be effective in reducing the complications of viral infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The present review study aimed to investigate the effect of DF on common complications in critically ill patients with viral infections. METHODS: A literature review was conducted for the published papers in English from January 2001 to July 2021 using related keywords. Studies with clinical trial or case‐control design described the effects of fiber intake on the complications of viral infections in patients admitted to the ICU were collected. RESULTS: DF may reduce the mortality rate of viral infections through modulating inflammatory processes. A higher intake of DF intake may improve hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with viral infections. A high‐fiber formula in enteral nutrition was reported to reduce the risk of diarrhea in patients with viral infections. CONCLUSION: DF may reduce the complications of viral infections such as inflammation, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and mortality in critically ill patients. Future longitudinal studies on the amount and type of DF are warranted.