Abstract: The present invention provides a novel diet for the critically ill, a ketogenic diet. Many of the problems found in the critically ill, such as hyperglycemia, excessive inflammatory response, and fluid retention, can be traced to the normal high carbohydrate diet used in hospital treatment. By replacing the high carbohydrate diet with a diet low in carbohydrates and higher in the proper fats, many of these problems are ameliorated. The preferred fats have high omega-3 content or are MCT's.