1.
[Metabolic effects of medium-chain triglycerides in parenteral nutrition after surgery].
Jiang, Z, Zhang, S, Wang, X
Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery]. 2001;(9):694-7
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.