ABSTRACT
Commercially available solutions for parenteral nutrition can be divided into four main categories, providing sources of protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins. Protein Hydrolysates solutions are prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins such as casein or fibrin. They contain both essential and nonessential amino acids with some peptides and electrolytes. There are many carbohydrate sources capable of being utilized for energy. These include dextrose, fructose, sorbitol, and xylitol. This source of energy is available as a stable sterile fat emulsion composed of either soybean or safflower oil, emulsified with purified egg lecithin phosphatides. The fat emulsion is isotonic even at concentrations of 30% and thus can be administered alone or with amino acids, carbohydrates, and other nutrients into a peripheral vein. Both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins are available as sterile aqueous injections for addition to the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) admixture. There are many commercially available parenteral multivitamin preparations that can be added to the TPN solution.
