Nasogastric feeding on intensive care unit: does it vary around the clock?

Humans have evolved on a planet revolving on its axis every 24 h producing a continuous cycle of night and day. Almost all cells have molecular feedback loops oscillating with a period of 24 h reflecting adaptation to this environment. Circadian rhythms are set in each organ in response to external cues or specific zeitgebers including feeding. Studies have shown that changes in the hours of feeding initially reset the gut clock and subsequently reset other organ clocks. This shifting in clock function has been shown to reduce the immune response to infection and lead to higher mortality in animal models.