Chromium content of total parenteral nutrition solutions

Chromium (Cr) present as contaminant was analyzed by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry in a variety of commercially produced solutions and additives commonly used in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) formulas. Total Cr likely to be administered unintentionally per day was estimated both by summing the Cr in appropriate volumes of each solution required for preparation of standard TPN formulas and by analyzing complete TPN solutions. Storage of TPN solutions in plastic bags for 14 days did not affect Cr concentrations. The amounts ranged from 2.4 to 8.1 micrograms/day for a high glucose formula and 2.6 to 10.5 micrograms for a high lipid formula. Amino acid solutions, especially when containing phosphate, or with phosphate salt additives and with lipid emulsions accounted for approximately 85 to 90% of the Cr found.