"Occurs when nutritional support is given to severely malnourished patients.
Metabolism shifts from a catabolic to an anabolic state.
Insulin is released on carbohydrate intake
triggering cellular uptake of potassium
phosphate
and magnesium.
When serum concentrations of these electrolytes are reduced
complications occur:
-Cardiac arrythmia
-Respiratory problems
-Seizures
The hallmark of refeeding syndrome is hypophosphataemia."