Table 1 Definition of hypothetical protein diets. Number of days with a defined level of medical nutrition therapy starts with day 1 after ICU admission. On days not specified, protein intake was identical with that of the comparison diet

Exclusively low protein diet

< 0.8 g protein/kg per day (level I, median 0.49 g/kg day) on days on diet #1 to #11

Late standard protein diet

0.8–1.2 g protein/kg per day (level II, median 0.99 g/kg day) on days on diet #5 to #11

Early standard protein diet

0.8–1.2 g protein/kg per day on days on diet #1 to #11

Late high protein diet

> 1.2 g protein/kg per day (level III, median 1.41 g/kg day) on days on diet #5 to #11

Early high protein diet

> 1.2 g protein/kg per day on days on diet #1 to #11