New synthetic substrates for parenteral feeding

The glycerol esters of short and medium chain fatty acids are predicted to become important in future nutritional therapy. These compounds provide a mixture of carbohydrate and "carnitine-independent" fat which, together, can serve more tissues than either substrate alone. Medium chain triglycerides are available for enteral feeding, and water-soluble monoglycerides are suggested for parenteral feeding. Two monoglycerides have been tested by continuous infusion into the rat and dog. Experimental evidence indicates rapid ester hydrolysis by endogenous mechanisms which release the basic components of the glycerides. Nutritional tests with these glycerides have produced results at least comparable to glucose as an energy source, and no toxicity has yet been noted. The data suggest that further investigations should be conducted on the benefits of these compounds.