ObjectiveTo explore the effect of early enteral nutrition (EEN) on immune status of patients in intenseive care unit (ICU). MethodsA prospective control study was conducted from July 2011 to December 2012, and 80 patients after trauma and surgery were admitted to ICU. The Patients were divided into EEN group and normal enteral nutrition (NEN) group randomly. Enteral nutrition in EEN group began within 24 hours after admitted to ICU, while within 48 hours in NEN group. ResultsIn 80 patients, 78(37 in EEN group and 41 in NEN group) completed the end point. The baseline in two groups was consistent (P>0.05). The indicators of lymphocyte, IgA, IgG, IgM and CD4+, CD8+, natural kill cell and pre-albumin values in EEN group were higher than those in NEN group (P<0.05). The incidence of diarrhea (8.1%, 26.8%) and infection of wound (2.7%, 17.1%) in EEN were less than those in NEN group. The hospitalization duration in ICU in EEN group[(7.94±3.72) days] was also shorter than that in NEN group[(10.62±3.14) days]. ConclusionEarly enteral nutrition improves immune function and nutrition status in ICU patients; it also protects gut barrier function and reduces the ICU hospitalization duration.