Parenteral and enteral nutrition with omega-3 fatty acids

Abstract

Critically ill patients, especially those with sepsis and acute lung injury, often experience massive and uncontrolled inflammation. It is hypothesized thatomega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation in critically ill patients. Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids provided in continuous enteral nutritional formulas, as enteral bolus doses separate from feedings, and in parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions is reviewed in this chapter. With the research available to date, there may be some benefit to providing omega-3 fatty acids in enteral nutrition formulas delivered continuously.However, there is not enough evidence to support enteral bolus dosing or inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in parenteral lipid emulsions.More research is needed before definitive recommendations can be made regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids in critically ill patients.