# Nutrition after sepsis
Nutritional needs after hospitalization
After a severe sepsis episode, many patients experience muscle weakness and reduced appetite. The body consumes a lot of energy during and after sepsis, and muscles can break down. This means that nutrition plays a role in the recovery process.
In the hospital, dietitians and doctors usually assess how much protein and energy your body needs. This varies per person, depending on how ill you have been and how your body responds. After discharge home, attention to adequate nutrition remains important, especially in the first weeks and months.
Protein and muscle recovery
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
Muscle recovery requires adequate protein. After sepsis, when muscle tissue has broken down, regular amounts of protein (such as in meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes) can help build muscle mass. This is not sepsis-specific, but supports general physical recovery.
Your own doctor or dietitian can determine what suits you, given your situation and any eating problems.
Vitamin deficiencies
After prolonged admission to an intensive care unit, certain vitamins and minerals may be low. This particularly concerns vitamins that the body depends on from food: vitamin D, B vitamins (especially with prolonged hospitalization) and possibly iron.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
These types of deficiencies can occur after sepsis and may contribute to fatigue and weakness. Routine checks with your doctor help identify this. Supplementation is usually only done if testing shows a deficiency.
Inflammatory responses and nutrition
After sepsis, the body may remain in a state of elevated inflammatory activity for a long time. Research suggests that certain dietary patterns — with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, fish and healthy oils — can generally reduce inflammatory responses.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This is not proven to be sepsis-specific, but is generally seen as support for recovering bodies. For personal choices, it is best to discuss this with your dietitian.
Nutrition and medication use
After sepsis, many patients receive medications to take home (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, blood pressure regulators and sometimes more). Certain foods can interact with medications.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
For example: certain antibiotics work better on an empty stomach, others work better with food. This depends heavily on what you have been given. Always discuss this with your pharmacy or healthcare provider — they know your medication use and can explain the best time to eat and drink around your medications.
Metabolic changes
After severe sepsis, glucose metabolism and other metabolism can be disrupted for a long time. Some patients experience blood sugar fluctuations, even without having had diabetes.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Regular, not too heavy meals can help stabilize these fluctuations, especially in the first months. Here too: your healthcare provider or dietitian can, based on tests, indicate what helps most for your situation.
Glucosamine and infection risk
A recent study (2025) shows that prolonged glucosamine use may increase the risk of sepsis. This is not directly food, but a widely used dietary supplement.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
If you use glucosamine after sepsis (for example, for joint complaints), it is good to discuss this with your doctor. This is certainly relevant if you have recurring infections or if your immune system remains weakened for a long time.
Fluid intake
During and immediately after sepsis, fluid balance is critical. After discharge, adequate fluid intake remains important for kidney function and general recovery, especially if you are still taking antibiotics or other medications.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
Water is usually the safest. Your doctor or nurse can tell you if there are restrictions (for example, due to kidney problems or heart disease).
Oral health and esophagitis
Patients who have been on a ventilator for a long time may experience oral health problems and esophagitis. This can make eating difficult.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
Soft food, food at body temperature and frequent small portions help. Brushing your teeth and oral hygiene are also important. Contact your GP if eating causes pain or if you have swallowing problems.
Allergy and food intolerance
Some patients report new sensitivities to certain foods after sepsis. This may be related to changes in the digestive system or immune system.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This is very individual. You may keep a food diary and discuss any unusual reactions with your doctor or dietitian. A formal allergy test can help provide certainty.
Nutrition and immune recovery
After sepsis, the immune system is weakened. Adequate nutrition — particularly sufficient protein, vitamin C, zinc and selenium — generally contributes to immune function.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
This does not mean you need special superfoods. A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, meat or alternatives, dairy and fish usually provides this sufficiently. Supplements (such as high-dose vitamin C) are rarely needed, and sometimes risky; consult your doctor.
Cooperation with your care team
Direct recommendations about what you should eat, how much and in what order can only be given by your own dietitian, doctor or nurse. They know your medical situation, medications, preferences and limitations.
It is useful to contact a dietitian after your discharge if you have eating problems, have lost a lot of weight, or are unsure about what is safe. Many GPs can arrange this.
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_This information never replaces a doctor's judgment. Always discuss your situation with your own healthcare provider._