Critical care : the official journal of the Critical Care Forum
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Review Meta Analysis
Antioxidant micronutrients in the critically ill: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Critical illness is characterized by oxidative stress, which is a major promoter of systemic inflammation and organ failure due to excessive free radical production, depletion of antioxidant defenses, or both. We hypothesized that exogenous supplementation of trace elements and vitamins could restore antioxidant status, improving clinical outcomes. ⋯ Supplementation with high dose trace elements and vitamins may improve outcomes of critically ill patients, particularly those at high risk of death.