# Nutrition and diet after sepsis
Many people who have had sepsis experience long-term consequences: fatigue, muscle weakness, concentration problems. The role of nutrition in recovery is increasingly being studied. Below is what is known about different nutritional approaches.
Protein-rich nutrition
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This nutritional pattern emphasizes more protein in daily meals — from meat, fish, dairy, legumes or plant-based sources. The idea is that protein is needed to rebuild muscle tissue, especially after a period of severe illness in which the body loses a lot of muscle.
After sepsis, muscle breakdown often occurs, and research suggests that adequate protein may be important for recovery of muscle strength. This is particularly true in the months after acute illness. However: the precise requirement varies per person and depends on how severe the sepsis was and how your body responds.
**Caution:** if you have developed kidney problems from sepsis, high protein intake may have limitations. This should always be discussed with your doctor or dietitian.
Antioxidant-rich nutrition
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This pattern includes many vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds — foods high in vitamins (C, E), minerals (zinc, selenium) and plant compounds that can neutralize harmful substances in the body. After sepsis, a kind of inflammation develops in the body that lasts longer, and some research suggests that antioxidants can help normalize this process.
Recent studies point to damage to mitochondria (the 'energy factories' of your cells) after sepsis, which can cause fatigue and muscle problems. Antioxidants may possibly protect mitochondria. However, much research in this area is still in laboratory stages and not directly translated into recommendations for patients.
**Caution:** supplements with very high doses of antioxidants (outside of food) can sometimes interact with medications; discuss this with your doctor.
Mediterranean dietary pattern
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This pattern emphasizes olive oil, fish, grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and moderate amounts of dairy — and is recommended in many guidelines for recovery after serious illness. The pattern has anti-inflammatory properties and supports vascular and brain function.
For sepsis patients, this is of interest because sepsis can have long-term effects on the heart and blood vessels. Research shows that this nutritional pattern contributes to better cardiovascular health and faster neurological recovery. However, there are as yet no sepsis-specific studies that have tested this pattern directly.
This pattern aligns well with protein-rich and antioxidant-rich foods, so it can be a good overarching approach.
Nutrition with omega-3 fatty acids
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This is about foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseed, chia seed and walnuts. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects and can protect blood vessels.
After sepsis, inflammatory reactions in the body remain elevated for a long time, even if you already feel better. Omega-3 fatty acids can help dampen this chronic inflammatory process. However, research into this nutrient after sepsis is still limited and usually indirect (via studies of other diseases with similar inflammatory patterns).
**Caution:** if you take blood thinners, you should discuss large amounts of omega-3 supplements with your doctor. Food itself is virtually always safe.
Sufficient calories and regular meals
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
This is actually not a 'diet' but a basic principle: your body needs energy to recover. After sepsis, appetite and ability to eat are often disrupted (you may feel full quickly, have little appetite, or have difficulty eating), and malnutrition significantly slows recovery.
Hospital studies show that oncology and critically ill patients recover much faster when they eat regularly and sufficiently. For sepsis patients, the same applies — malnutrition worsens fatigue, weakness and infection risk. Regular small meals often work better than three large ones.
Limiting refined sugar and ultra-processed food
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This pattern avoids much sugar, soft drinks, sweets and ready-made meals, and emphasises unprocessed food. After sepsis, blood sugar fluctuations and insulin resistance can occur, and sugar can intensify inflammatory responses.
Research shows that patients with serious inflammatory conditions benefit from lower sugar intake. For sepsis consequences this has not been directly studied yet, but since prolonged inflammation is a core problem, this seems cautiously advisable.
Nutrition and glucosamine
Unproven to possible risk
Glucosamine is widely used for joints. A recent long-term study (2025) followed more than 70,000 participants over 16 years and found a possible increased sepsis risk with regular glucosamine use, especially in women over 60.
This research is observational, so it does not prove that glucosamine causes sepsis, but it raises caution. Many questions remain open (why would this risk exist? does it apply to everyone?). Anyone taking glucosamine and who has had sepsis before should discuss this with their own doctor.
Nutritional choices are individualised
Nutrition plays a role in recovery from sepsis consequences, but this is not straightforward. The best approach is warm, regular meals with plenty of vegetables, unprocessed food, sufficient protein and healthy fats — in consultation with your healthcare provider or a dietitian who knows your situation. Someone who has kidney complications, psychological consequences, or swallowing difficulties after sepsis, needs different advice than someone with 'only' muscle weakness. So always get individualised advice.
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_This information never replaces a doctor's judgment. Always discuss your situation with your own healthcare provider._