Toxicity of a soybean oil emulsion on human lymphocytes and neutrophils.

Background: The incorporation of lipid emulsions in parenteral diets is a requirement for energy and essential fatty acid supply to critically ill patients. In this study, the toxicity of a lipid emulsion rich (60%) in triacylglycerol of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on leukocytes from healthy volunteers was investigated.

Methods: Eleven volunteers were recruited, and blood samples were collected before infusion of a soybean oil emulsion, immediately afterwards, and 18 hours later.