Protocol · Respiratory Health
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Supportive Care Protocol
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) and Vitamin C (IV) are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) | Amount listed: Enteral formulas enriched with EPA/DHA/GLA as part of ICU nutrition protocol | Anti-inflammatory lipids that may reduce lung inflammation and improve oxygenation in ARDS | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin C (IV) | Amount listed: Hospital protocol: typically 1.5–6 g IV daily in divided doses (ICU administration only) | High-dose IV vitamin C may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in critical illness | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: High-dose loading if deficient (300,000–500,000 IU once) followed by daily supplementation per ICU protocol | Deficiency common in critically ill and associated with worse ARDS outcomes | Not graded yet | |
| Selenium | Amount listed: Hospital protocol: typically 200–500 mcg daily (ICU administration) | Antioxidant trace element; levels depleted in critical illness | Not graded yet | |
| Zinc | Amount listed: 25–50 mg daily as part of ICU nutrition protocol | Essential for immune function and wound healing; often deficient in critical illness | Not graded yet | |
| N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: Hospital protocol: typically 40–150 mg/kg/day (ICU administration) | Glutathione precursor with antioxidant effects; studied for ARDS | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400–800 IU daily via enteral nutrition | Fat-soluble antioxidant that may protect lung tissue from oxidative damage | Not graded yet | |
| Glutamine | Amount listed: 0.3–0.5 g/kg/day via enteral or parenteral nutrition (ICU protocol) | May support gut barrier and immune function in critical illness | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe, life-threatening lung condition where the lungs become severely inflamed and filled with fluid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. It typically occurs as a complication of other serious conditions like severe pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, or aspiration. ARDS requires intensive care unit (ICU) treatment with mechanical ventilation and specialized supportive care. While there is no specific cure, certain nutritional interventions may support recovery.
CRITICAL: ARDS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY requiring ICU care and mechanical ventilation. The supplements listed here are administered in hospital settings as part of critical care protocols - they are NOT home treatments. Treatment focuses on treating the underlying cause, lung-protective ventilation, prone positioning, and supportive care. If you or someone experiences sudden severe breathing difficulty, call emergency services immediately.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (EPA/DHA) have anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce lung inflammation in ARDS. Enteral nutrition formulas enriched with omega-3s have been studied and may improve oxygenation and reduce time on ventilator.
Vitamin C* (IV high-dose) has been studied in critical illness including ARDS and sepsis. High-dose IV vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce organ damage.
Vitamin D* deficiency is very common in critically ill patients and associated with worse outcomes. High-dose supplementation to correct deficiency may support immune function and recovery.
Selenium* is an antioxidant trace element that becomes depleted in critical illness. Supplementation may support antioxidant defenses.
Zinc* supports immune function and is often deficient in critically ill patients.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)* provides the building block for glutathione, the body's major antioxidant. It has been studied for ARDS with mixed results.
Vitamin E* is a fat-soluble antioxidant that may help protect lung tissue from oxidative damage.
Glutamine* supports gut barrier function and immune cells, which may help in critical illness recovery.
Expected timeline: ARDS is a serious condition with high mortality. Recovery takes weeks to months in survivors. These nutritional interventions are provided during ICU stay as part of comprehensive critical care. Long-term lung function may be affected even after recovery.