Tao G, et al. - Researchers determined the impact of early enteral nutrition (EEN) on acetylcholine (Ach) levels and inflammation in a population of 113 EEN-treated critically ill patients. The overall 28-day mortality was 28.3%. Enteral nutrition was tolerated by only 82 patients. Vasopressor support, renal replacement treatments, the administration of EEN, sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA score), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score at intensive care unit admission, and plasma Ach levels were all identified as independent determinants of 28-day death in multivariate logistic regression analysis. EEN, plasma lactate, mechanical ventilation, the SOFA score, and plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) levels were identified as independent determinants of plasma Ach levels in multivariate linear regression analysis. Findings revealed a contribution of EEN to increased plasma Ach levels and decreased inflammatory markers in critically ill patients. The increase in CCK levels partially accounted for the impact of EEN on Ach levels. A better prognosis was indicated by raised plasma Ach levels.