Nutritional repletion

Nutritional repletion refers to the process of restoring nutrient stores in individuals who have experienced malnutrition or catabolic states, often through gradual reintroduction of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and fluid. This intervention is essential for reversing muscle wasting, supporting immune function, and restoring normal metabolism, but must be performed cautiously to avoid potentially fatal complications such as refeeding syndrome, which is characterized by electrolyte shifts (notably low serum phosphate) and multiorgan dysfunction. Nutritional repletion is managed based on clinical, biochemical, and nutritional assessments and is not an isolated molecular entity, but rather a comprehensive therapeutic strategy.

Other names

nutrient repletionnutrition repletionrefeeding (as in refeeding syndrome)