[Metabolic effects of medium-chain triglycerides in parenteral nutrition after surgery]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the difference between long-chain triglycerides (LCT) and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT).

Methods: Twenty-four surgical patients and 6 volunteers were studied. These subjects were randomly assigned to receive parenteral nutrition with MCT or LCT emulsion. Their arterial and venous concentrations were measured across the forearm.

Results: Muscle utilization was significantly improved with MCT administration. In fat clearance test, serum ketone concentrations were significantly higher in the MCT group than in the LCT group. The improvement in nitrogen retention may be associated with the increasing of ketone and insulin levels.

Conclusions: Fat emulsions containing 50% MCT are safe for use in parenteral nutrition and provide an alternate fuel that improves protein metabolism.