Optimal lipid content for enteral diets following thermal injury

This study was performed to determine the effects of different amounts of lipid in enteral diets during the postburn period. Forty-five guinea pigs with catheter gastrostomy received a 30% total body surface area full thickness flame burn. After burn they were given intragastric tube feedings using five diets at different dietary lipid composition: 0, 5, 15, 30, and 50% of nonprotein calories. Total calories administered (175 kcal/kg/day), protein content and composition (20% of total calories), total volume, and vitamin and mineral content were constant in all animals. At postburn day 14, body weight, carcass weight, and muscle weight were the greatest in 0 and 5% lipid groups, and the least in 30 and 50% lipid groups. Serum transferrin was highest in the 5 and 15% lipid groups, and lowest in the 30 and 50% lipid groups. Total nitrogen content in muscle and cumulative nitrogen balance were best in the 15% lipid group. Liver fatty infiltration, caused from a larger proportion of carbohydrate administration, was greater in the 0 and 5% lipid groups and less in 15 and 30% groups. It is concluded that dietary lipid levels between 5 and 15% of nonprotein calories are optimal for nutritional support after burn injury. The nutritional management of postburn patients with higher levels of dietary lipid should be reconsidered.