This condition is characterized by severe metabolic imbalances, such as decreases in the levels of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium in the blood, accompanied by a drastic increase in the need for thiamine.
After Release of the first three Israeli hostages within the framework of the agreement Stop the fire between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu implemented a medical and nutritional protocol to prevent serious complications arising from kidnapping and prolonged isolation.
One of the main risks that released people face is the Feedback syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when food is inappropriately reintroduced after a prolonged period of starvation. To prevent this complication, the protocol implemented is designed to ensure safe recovery, with a focus on metabolic stabilization and the comprehensive protection of the health of those affected
According to the medium The Jerusalem Post, the hostages received immediate attention upon arriving at a military base in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). There they were given a first controlled intake consisting of tea with a teaspoon of sugar, three biscuits and apple compote. In addition, they were given 100 milligrams of thiamine, an essential vitamin for the body's metabolic processes.
Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, plays a crucial role in the prevention of serious neurological complications, such as the syndrome of Wernicke-Korsakoff, which can cause permanent brain damage if not treated in time.
Refeeding syndrome is one of the main medical concerns in cases of severe malnutrition. This condition is characterized by severe metabolic imbalances, such as drops in potassium, phosphorus and magnesium levels in the blood, along with a dramatic increase in the demand for thiamine. These changes can trigger life-threatening cardiac and neurological complications in patients.
Early administration of thiamine is essential to prevent this syndrome, as this vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the heart and nervous system, as well as facilitating energy recovery at the cellular level after a period of starvation. Without proper treatment, thiamine deficiency can cause symptoms such as: fatigue, weakness, lactic acidosis and alterations in the central nervous system.
The protocol established by the Israel Ministry of Health includes monitoring the hostages' vital signs during the first 24 hours of feeding. According to the report The Jerusalem Post, Monitoring will be done every four hours to measure heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. In addition, complete blood tests will be carried out to identify and correct nutritional deficiencies gradually.
The hostages will be classified according to their body mass index (BMI), a measure calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Those with a BMI between 16 and 18,5 will be considered at moderate risk, while a BMI below 16 will indicate a high risk and a state of severe malnutrition. This classification will allow for the personalization of nutritional and medical treatment for each individual.
Vitamin supplements
The nutritional plan designed by the authorities includes the daily administration of multivitamin supplements for at least 30 days, along with additional doses of vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Vitamin D is especially important because of the prolonged time the hostages spent in dark conditions, while vitamin B12 is essential for neurological function and red blood cell formation.
For hostages at moderate or high risk, a fluid supplementation based on body weight, as well as a calorie-controlled diet to address nutritional deficiencies.
In some cases, recourse will be made to glucose infusions to stabilize energy levels. The goal is to increase caloric intake by 33% of the daily requirement every other day, with the aim of achieving full nutritional needs within five to ten days.
Each hostage will receive an information sheet with detailed instructions on how to safely reintroduce food. According to the document cited by The Jerusalem Post, the importance of eating gradually and moderately to avoid serious complications is emphasized.
The text states: “After a long period of limited feeding, it is very important to gradually and moderately return to eating to prevent potentially life-threatening complications that can result from rapid exposure to food and drink after a prolonged period of reduced intake.”
The document also highlights that dieticians at medical centres will accompany the hostages throughout the nutritional rehabilitation process, adjusting the quantities and types of food according to the results of medical assessments.
This support will continue even after discharge from hospital, until nutritional recovery is complete. In addition, it is recommended to keep a daily record of food and drink consumed to facilitate more accurate monitoring.