The emerging literature shows the effects of COVID‐19 infection on the digestive system can have significant impacts on the nutrition therapy of patients. This opens the opportunities for different interventions and nutrition modalities to address the GI side effects of the disease which posed challenges in terms of nutrition care. The GI symptoms and signs of GI intolerance can significantly restrict achievement of nutrition goals. Alternate ways to increase dietary intake, such as the addition of energy‐dense ONSs, are recommended.
It is important to emphasize the measures of nutrition care in the context of COVID‐19 should be observed with the safety of the healthcare workers and patients in mind. In conclusion, the effects of COVID‐19 infection on the digestive system could significantly impact the nutrition therapy of these patients. Nutrition support practices should be adjusted to mitigate viral transmission and adapt to the pandemic. GI intolerance can occur but can be addressed adequately. Although EN is preferred in critically ill patients, the threshold for full or supplemental PN nutrition may need to be lowered, especially when EN is neither safe nor tolerated.
