NUTRIC Score for ICU Nutrition Risk
Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (NUTRIC) score identifies ICU patients who benefit most from aggressive nutritional therapy. High NUTRIC = poor prognosis that may be modified by optimal nutrition.
Score interpretation
NUTRIC 0–4 (without IL-6): Low nutrition risk. Unlikely to benefit from aggressive nutritional support.
→ Standard nutritional protocol. Aim for 25–30 kcal/kg/day and 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day protein when haemodynamically stable. Reassess if condition changes.
NUTRIC ≥ 5 (without IL-6): High nutrition risk. Associated with worsened outcomes; may benefit from aggressive nutritional support.
→ Early enteral nutrition within 24–48h (target full rate by 48–72h). If EN not feasible: parenteral nutrition by Day 3–7. Aim 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day protein. Dietitian review. Daily calorie counting.
Interpretation bands for the NUTRIC Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Heyland DK, et al. Identifying critically ill patients who benefit the most from nutritional therapy: the development and initial validation of a novel risk assessment tool. Crit Care. 2011;15(6):R268.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Vitamins with minerals and trace elements · Parenteral nutrition supplement
- Enteral feeds · Nutritional support
- Parenteral nutrition supplements · Parenteral nutrition
- Levodopa-Carbidopa (Co-Careldopa) · Dopamine Precursor / Decarboxylase Inhibitor
- Sodium hyaluronate · Ocular lubricant (hyaluronic acid)
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.