Realimentation

Realimentation is a term used in several fields with related but distinct meanings. In nutrition and medicine, realimentation (often called refeeding) refers to the reintroduction of nutrients after a period of inadequate intake or prolonged fasting. It is a critical phase in the treatment of malnutrition and recovery from eating disorders, requiring careful management to minimize complications. Refeeding syndrome is the primary medical concern, characterized by shifts in fluids and electrolytes, particularly phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, which can lead to cardiac, neurological, and respiratory problems. Best practices emphasize starting with small amounts of calories, providing thiamine and other vitamins before and during early refeeding, and gradually increasing energy intake while closely monitoring electrolytes, glucose, and fluid balance.

In control theory, engineering, and related disciplines, realimentación (Spanish) or realimentação (Portuguese) denotes feedback: the process of returning a portion of an output to the system’s input to influence subsequent outputs. Negative feedback tends to stabilize systems, while positive feedback can amplify changes or drive rapid transitions. Feedback mechanisms are fundamental in electronic amplifiers, automatic control, biological regulation, and ecological processes, and they can be implemented in open-loop or closed-loop configurations.

In everyday language, realimentation can also mean giving feedback or evaluation aimed at informing improvements in performance, behavior, or systems.

Etymology-wise, the term combines notions of nourishing or supplying again in the nutritional sense and the broader concept of supplying information back to influence future action in feedback contexts.