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In parenteral nutrition-fed piglets, fatty acids vary by lipid emulsion and tissue sampled

Mirielle L Pauline1, Caitlin Huynh1, Pamela R Wizzard1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|July 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mixed lipid emulsion (MLE) is linked to lower arachidonic acid (AA) levels in piglets compared to soy-based lipid emulsion (SLE). This finding supports current practices regarding MLE dosage in parenteral nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Parenteral nutrition (PN) in children with intestinal failure often uses soy-based lipid emulsion (SLE) or mixed lipid emulsion (MLE).
  • MLE contains added arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), differing from SLE in essential fatty acid content.
  • The study investigates fatty acid profiles in serum and tissues when these emulsions are administered at unrestricted doses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare serum and tissue fatty acid composition in neonatal piglets receiving SLE versus MLE at unrestricted doses.
  • To evaluate the impact of MLE on essential fatty acid levels, specifically AA and DHA, in critical tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Neonatal piglets were divided into two groups, receiving either SLE (n=15) or MLE (n=15) at 10-15 g/kg/day via PN for 14 days.
  • Serum, brain, and liver phospholipid fatty acid composition were analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography.
  • Results were compared between the two emulsion groups and against reference values from control piglets (n=8).

Main Results:

  • MLE administration resulted in significantly lower linoleic acid (LA), AA, and higher DHA levels in serum, liver, and brain phospholipids compared to SLE.
  • Compared to controls, MLE-fed piglets exhibited markedly reduced serum and tissue AA levels.
  • Conversely, DHA levels were elevated in serum, liver, and brain of piglets receiving MLE.

Conclusions:

  • Unrestricted doses of MLE in piglets are associated with lower serum and tissue AA levels compared to SLE and controls.
  • The potential functional consequences of low tissue AA warrant further investigation.
  • These findings support the current clinical practice of avoiding dose restrictions for MLE in parenteral nutrition.
Abstract

Keywords:
fatty acidsgastroenterologylipidsliver diseaseneonatesnutrition assessmentnutrition support teamsparenteral nutritionpediatricsshort bowel syndrome

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