Fat Requirements

Fats (lipids) may be used to provide energy when the body cannot obtain all the necessary energy requirements from carbohydrates. Each gram of lipid provides 9 kcal of energy. The proportion of calories provided by lipids is restricted to 20-40% of the total daily calories. Lipids in TPN are in the form of an emulsion containing carbohydrate-based emulsifying agents, which also contribute to the caloric content. The lipid emulsions are available in 10 % (1.1 kcal/ml), 20 % (2 kcal/ml) and 30 % (3 kcal/ml) concentrations.

Solved Problem: How many kcal would be obtained from 20% lipid emulsion allowed to run at a rate of 21 ml/hr in one day? Approach: : 20 % lipid emulsion provides 2kcal/ml, calculate the ml of lipid emulsion infused and multiply it with 2 kcal/ml. $$ {21 \ ml \over hr} \times {24 \ hr \over day} \times {2 \ kcal \over ml} = 1008 \ kcal $$ Answer: 1008 kcal