[Metabolism-oriented postoperative nutritional therapy--possibilities and limits in the use of glucose and xylitol]

Carbohydrates and polyols are essential constituents of intravenous nutrition. In order to better understand the problems associated with the supply of energy sources, the physiology of enteral nutrition will be covered and compared with intravenous nutrition. This review article will deal with the metabolic actions of glucose and xylitol and derive therapeutical consequences for their intravenous use during different illnesses.