Supplemental Enteral Protein in Critical Illness

The aim of this study is too determine the effect of enteral protein supplementation on biochemical measures of inflammation and protein metabolism in critically ill surgical patients. The investigators will also collect data on important clinical outcomes, including infectious complications, duration of mechanical ventilation and other measures of recovery from critical illness. Hypothesis: That early supplemental protein will increase serum concentrations of transthyretin at three weeks after the onset of illness or injury. Secondarily, the investigators will test whether supplementation, reduces infectious complications and increases ventilator-free days.