Parenteral Nutrition

Parenteral nutrition is nutrition given intravenously to people who cannot consume an adequate amount of calories and nutrients by mouth. Parenteral nutrition provides liquid nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. When all the daily calories and nutrients are delivered intravenously, the solution is termed as total parenteral solution (TPN).

TPN can be given for a variety of reasons, mostly it is given to people whose digestive systems either can't absorb or can't tolerate adequate food eaten by mouth. When used outside the hospital, intravenous feeding is called home parenteral nutrition. Using home parenteral nutrition may be necessary for weeks or months, or in some cases for life.