Potential Benefits Of Using An Energy-Dense, High-Protein Formula Enriched With Β-Hydroxy-Β-Methylbutyrate (HMB), Fructo-Oligosaccharide (FOS) And Vitamin D For Enteral Feeding In Icu: A Pilot Case-Control Study In COVID-19 Patients.

•Studies addressing the optimization of energy provision have shown significant prognostic benefits.•The issue of adequate protein delivery has been a topic of critical appraisal.•Data on practical solutions aimed at coping with patient needs are warranted, and enteral nutrition must be considered as the most preferred route for nutritional support.•In the present study, we observed that an energy-dense, high-protein formula provided a more satisfactory protein intake and a higher provision of caloric intake from enteral nutrition than a standard high-protein formula in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19.•Lower rates of gastrointestinal intolerance and intensive care unit-acquired infections were also observed.