A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may benefit from a feeding formula containing supplemental

• A. Arginine
• B. Glutamine
• C. Nucleic acids
• D. Omega-3 fatty acids

Answer: (D)

In ARDS, the inflammatory response in the lungs drives much of the damage and instability. Supplemental omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in a feeding formula modulate this inflammation by altering cell membrane composition and shifting the production of lipid mediators away from pro-inflammatory compounds toward less inflammatory or pro-resolving mediators. This can reduce neutrophil activation and lung inflammation, potentially improving oxygenation and reducing reliance on ventilatory support in some patients. Other supplements, like arginine, can boost nitric oxide and may worsen lung injury or hemodynamics in ARDS; glutamine has shown mixed results with no consistent benefit in ARDS outcomes; nucleic acids lack strong ARDS-specific evidence. The anti-inflammatory mechanism and the evidence base make omega-3–enriched formulas the best fit for ARDS nutrition support.