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Novel triglycerides for special medical purposes
E A Mascioli1, V K Babayan, B R Bistrian
1Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) offer superior energy and protein metabolism support compared to long-chain triglycerides in lipid emulsions. Research shows MCTs enhance nutritional effectiveness and reduce adverse effects of intravenous lipid therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are standard clinical practice.
- Soybean and safflower oils have historically been the primary lipid sources.
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are now available for ILEs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review new research on enhancing ILE nutritional effectiveness.
- To discuss minimizing adverse effects of ILEs.
- To explore MCTs' benefits in parenteral and enteral nutrition.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory research developments.
- Comparison of MCTs versus long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) as energy sources.
- Evaluation of MCTs' impact on protein metabolism and thermogenesis.
- Assessment of ILE effects on the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and immune function.
Main Results:
- MCTs are superior energy sources to LCTs.
- MCTs enhance protein metabolism support, especially in burn injury models.
- MCTs promote rapid oxidation, reduced adipose storage, and increased thermogenesis.
- Parenteral lipid emulsions have variable effects on immune function, including the RES.
Conclusions:
- MCT-based lipid emulsions show enhanced nutritional effectiveness.
- MCTs may offer advantages over LCTs in specific clinical conditions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the immunomodulatory effects of ILEs.