This year’s Nutricia symposium provided a platform for experts in the field to share their deep insights, experience and research in nutritional management after severe illness which is highly relevant for optimising nutritional care of patients who have suffered severe COVID-19 infection. In addition, new data and research in patients with COVID-19 were highlighted. The symposium was co-chaired by Professor Paul Wischmeyer (Durham, USA) and Professor Pere Clave (Barcelona, Spain).