As hostages recently released from Gaza are now in Israel’s custody, their recovery poses significant medical challenges, particularly in managing dietary concerns like salt imbalances and refeeding syndrome. These complications arise as the hostages begin to recover from prolonged starvation, making their nutritional treatment a delicate and gradual process.
Upon arrival at an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) base, the hostages were provided with tea, biscuits, applesauce, and a critical dose of thiamine (vitamin B1), a vital nutrient for metabolic processes. A deficiency in thiamine can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a condition marked by confusion and eye movement disturbances. Thiamine is crucial in preventing refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that causes severe metabolic imbalances when the body resumes using carbohydrates for energy after starvation.
Refeeding syndrome can lead to dangerous drops in potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and a sudden increase in the body’s demand for thiamine. If not addressed early, it can cause serious cardiac and neurological issues, including fatigue, weakness, and impaired brain function.
To address these concerns, medical teams are adhering to a strict protocol for the hostages’ nutrition, beginning with close monitoring of vital signs and blood tests. Hostages are also being assessed for their nutritional status based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), with those showing a BMI below 16 classified as at high risk due to severe starvation.
Each hostage will receive multivitamins, including vitamin D and B12, for at least 30 days to correct deficiencies caused by prolonged darkness and inadequate nutrition. Hostages with moderate to severe malnutrition will also receive fluid supplementation and glucose infusions, and their caloric intake will gradually increase by 33% every two days to meet their nutritional needs within 5 to 10 days.
The Health Ministry has emphasized the importance of gradual refeeding to prevent the dangers of sudden food intake after prolonged starvation. A comprehensive dietitian plan will support the hostages throughout their recovery process, ensuring their safe and gradual return to regular eating habits.
The hostages will continue to receive nutritional guidance even after their discharge from medical centers, assisting in their complete rehabilitation. Each will be given an information sheet detailing the importance of cautious eating and the ongoing support they will receive to prevent further health deterioration.
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