Intravenous Feeding—Nutritional Aspects

Abstract

Intravenous feeding is essential in certain medical emergencies, and is often used for brief periods. Based on adequate clinical evaluation, relatively prolonged maintenance by the parenteral route is also feasible as an interim measure with the goal of restoring oral intake.

Recognition and proper management of altered requirements in intravenous feeding are a continuing challenge to the physician. Nutritional aspects are reviewed in relation to caloric needs; amino acid, carbohydrate and fat utilization; and vitamin and mineral requirements, as well as the available sources of each.