Parenteral lipids in nutritional support and immune modulation

SummaryLipid emulsions are used to provide a dense source of calories in parenteral nutrition admixtures. However, evidence suggests that parenteral lipid emulsions are not just a simple energy source but also biologically active compounds with potential effects on immune functioning. Concerns around the immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory effects of omega-6 fatty acids, the primary constituent of soybean oil, have led to the development of parenteral lipid emulsions containing alternative fatty acid sources. This brief review will present the differential immunomodulatory effects of the fatty acids that compose parenteral lipid emulsions.