The effects ot total parenteral nutrition upon serum lipid levels

Changes in the serum lipid profiles of 22 patients undergoing total parenteral nutritional therapy were studied to evaluate the effects of an intravenously administered high protein, high carbohydrate diet on serum lipid levels. During this zero fat regimen, no instances of hypertriglyceridemia occurred, and serum cholesterol levels decreased significantly. Both these findings may be ascribed to the metabolic quiescence of the intestinal mucosa which occurs during intestinal rest afforded by total parenteral nutritional therapy. Thus, total parenteral nutrional therapy may possess significant therapeutic importance in the treatment of disordered fat metabolism, as well as inflammatory processes which may be accompanied by such lipid abnormalities.