Get the lowdown on lipids!
Expand your knowledge of lipid sources used in PN in this brief video.
Importance of omega-3s in PN
As an innovator in PN, Fresenius Kabi is committed to supporting research that furthers the field for all patients on PN. To that end, we have spent considerable time understanding and documenting the effects of fish oil and omega-3s on patients receiving PN. We pioneered the introduction of omega-3 containing lipids into PN products, representing a new development and advancement for critically ill patients.
In a large meta-analysis including 49 studies and 3,641 ICU and non-ICU patients:
- Omega-3s have been shown to be less pro-inflammatory and have a less negative impact on liver function than standard (non-omega-3 fatty-acid enriched) PN.1
- Use of omega-3 containing PN in critically ill patients has been shown to contribute to a reduced risk of infection and a reduced hospital stay of nearly 2 days versus standard (non-omega-3 fatty-acid enriched) PNs; however, 30-day mortality was not statistically different.
What are omega-3s?
The omega-3 family of fatty acids includes alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and they are known for the following characteristics:
- The essential fatty acid, ALA (18:3n-3)2
- Displaces proinflammatory arachidonic acid pathway
- Produces anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and leukotrienes
- Reduces free radical formation
- EPA and DHA are downstream metabolites
- Enhance central nervous system development in infants3
- Contribute to retina health in infants4
- Lack the essential fatty acid linoleic acid
- May prevent elevated triglyceride levels5
- Lower circulating inflammatory markers compared with a higher omega-6 containing lipid emulsion6
ASPEN20 Central Stage
Presentation
Angling for more information about omega-3s and fish oil in PN? Hear from our experts and download the full Q&A on the Resources page.
The views and opinions expressed by the Experts during this Q&A are solely those of the individual healthcare professionals based on their experiences in the medical field and are not intended to reflect the views or opinions of Fresenius Kabi or to provide clinical practice recommendations.
ASPEN – American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
“Alternative oil-based IVFEs are safe and effective alternatives to SOIVFEs for a source of energy and essential (fatty acids) and may have potential biochemical and/or clinical benefits.”6
“Based on substantial bio-chemical and clinical evidence, alternative oil-based [intravenous fat emulsions (IVFEs)] may have less pro-inflammatory effects than the standard [soybean oil (SO) IVFEs and may potentially be a better alternative energy source.”6
CCCN – Canadian Critical Care Nutrition Guidelines
“When parenteral nutrition with intravenous lipids is indicated, IV lipids that reduce the load of omega-6 fatty acids/soybean oil emulsions should be considered.”7
ESPEN – European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
ESPEN guidelines for critically ill patients
“Lipids should be an integral part of PN for energy and to ensure essential fatty acid provision in long-term [intensive care unit (ICU)] patients.”8
“Addition of EPA and DHA to lipid emulsions has demonstrable effects on cell membranes and inflammatory processes. Fish oil-enriched lipid emulsions probably decrease length of stay in critically ill patients.”8
ESPEN guidelines for surgical patients
“Postoperative parenteral nutrition including omega-3 fatty acids should be considered only in patients who cannot be adequately fed enterally and, therefore, require parenteral nutrition.”9
ASPEN/SCCM guidelines
“Alternative IVFEs may provide outcome benefit over soy-based IVFEs; however, we cannot make a recommendation at this time due to lack of availability of these products in the United States.”10
“When these alternative IVFEs (SMOF [soybean oil, MCT, olive oil, and fish oil emulsion], MCT, OO, and FO) become available in the United States, based on expert opinion, we suggest that their use be considered in the critically ill patient who is an appropriate candidate for PN.”10