Whole blood trace element concentrations during total parenteral nutrition

Samples of whole blood in eight patients on long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and in four who served as controls were analyzed for trace element concentrations of Au, Br, Cu, Mn, Cr, Sb, Fe, Zn, Co, Hg, Rb, and Se. The concentrations of essential elements in the patients deviated significantly from those in the control group. The Mn concentration in blood was consistently higher in patients, owing to the high Mn concentration in the nutrient solutions. A reciprocal relationship between Cu and Zn was demonstrated in one patient. Some trace element concentrations are correlated with the duration of malabsorption and the amount of oral intake during TPN. This study shows that patients on TPN may have abnormal trace element profiles and that TPN currently does not supply the necessary concentrations of trace elements.