Yoghurt Supplementation In Critically Ill Adults

This pilot randomized controlled trial tested the feasibility of yoghurt supplementation (400 mL/day for 3 days) in critically ill adults receiving nasogastric feeds. Twelve patients were enrolled, with high adherence and no safety concerns reported. Yoghurt intake was associated with a significant reduction in systemic inflammation markers, particularly the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and modest shifts in gut microbiome composition. Beneficial commensals such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis were enriched, while opportunistic pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridioides difficile were depleted. Microbial network analysis revealed increased connectivity and stability in the yoghurt group. Overall, yoghurt supplementation was feasible, safe, and showed preliminary biological signals of modulating inflammation and microbial ecology, supporting the rationale for a larger multicentre trial.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-65 years Admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with critical illness requiring nasogastric feeding Expected to remain in ICU for at least 3 days Able to receive enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy or intolerance to dairy products Pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome) Severe liver disease or renal failure requiring dialysis Immunocompromised state (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy) Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the past 30 days