Lipid emulsions for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use and as carriers for lipid-soluble drugs

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) intravenous infusion liquids are used in hospitals and other clinical settings to provide all the components of a balanced nutrition including liquid, carbohydrate, protein, salt, fat, vitamins, and trace elements¹. Nutrients provided via the vein are broken down into their molecular elements after entering the bloodstream. Living cells transform these nutritional components into energy and nutrients. Parenteral nutrition becomes necessary when the stomach and bowel, due to an illness or operation, cannot do their required tasks. Also, physicians can decide whether a patient should receive parenteral nutrition before an operation, during certain tests, or when the patient is not allowed to eat. The composition of TPNs can be adjusted to the patient’s specific needs.