Chronobiology and Enteral Nutrition

Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) is critical for patients with impaired oral intake and is typically administered via enteral nutrition (EN). Current infusion practices-continuous 24-hour enteral nutrition for hospitalised patients-may induce circadian misalignment (chronodisruption). This misalignment can negatively impact metabolic function, sleep quality, and overall quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Synchronising MNT administration with circadian rhythms may improve metabolic balance, sleep, and patient well-being. Hypothesis: The timing of the administration of Medical Nutritional Therapy via continuous enteral nutrition (EN) in hospitalised patients may induce chronodisruption in biological rhythms (clock genes). This disruption can affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, contributing to morbidity and altering chronotype, quality of life, and sleep patterns.

NCT Number	NCT07554716
Lead Sponsor	Fundación Pública Andaluza para la Investigación de Málaga en Biomedicina y Salud
Conditions	Hospitalised Patients With Enteral Nutrition
Enrollment	60 participants
Start Date	2025-10-10
Primary Completion	2026-06-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-12-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-04-28