Optimal composition of intravenous lipids : invited communication

The provision of energy from a lipid source is an essential component of any parenteral nutrition (PN) therapeutic regimen in the appropriate clinical setting. All available sources of intravenous lipid emulsions have a low osmolarity but they strongly differ in their immunologic effects and their effects on oxidative stress, liver injury and mitochondrial function. The ω-9/ω-6 lipid emulsion with its relative immuneneutrality and also the newer fish oil admixtures are lipid emulsions that can be used in most critically ill and non-critically ill patients. Despite extensive research and encouraging progress in the availability of such lipid emulsions, there is still need for a lipid emulsions that could be advantageous in patients with real hyperinflammation.