Selected ultratrace elements in total parenteral nutrition solutions. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Ultratrace elements are potentially essential (eg. boron, molybdenum, nickel, and vanadium) or toxic (eg, aluminum and cadmium) in humans. Long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) patients can inadvertently receive significant amounts of ultratrace elements present as contaminants in TPN solutions. We determined the intake of selected ultratrace elements from a standard TPN solution and compared it with the amount reported to be absorbed from food in normal subjects. Contamination of TPN solutions with ultratrace elements was widespread and variable. The daily intakes of Mo, Ni, V. and Cd from this contamination were comparable to the amounts reported to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract in normal subjects. Al intake was high; B intake was low, approximately 10% of the amount absorbed by normal subjects. Thus, TPN solutions are contaminated with significant amounts of ultratrace elements. The biological significance of the intravenous infusion of these ultratrace elements is unclear and requires further investigation, particularly in home TPN patients.

publication date

  • November 1, 1989

Research

keywords

  • Drug Contamination
  • Parenteral Nutrition, Total
  • Trace Elements

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0024419610

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1093/ajcn/50.5.1079

PubMed ID

  • 2510493

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 50

issue

  • 5