Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in parenteral nutrition beneficially alters phospholipid fatty acid pattern.

Background: The clinical safety and the uptake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) into the serum phospholipids and erythrocyte membranes after administration of fish-oil-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) was investigated in colorectal surgical patients.

Methods: Forty patients undergoing colorectal surgery (n = 40) and with an indication for PN were enrolled in a prospective, double-blind, randomized study to receive an omega-3 PUFA-supplemented 20% lipid emulsion (Lipoplus; B. Braun Melsungen, Melsungen, Germany; test group, n = 19) for 5 days postoperatively.

Preoperative oral supplementation with long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids beneficially alters phospholipid fatty acid patterns in liver, gut mucosa, and tumor tissue.

Background: The uptake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into the liver, gut mucosa, and tumor tissue and plasma levels after preoperative administration of supplemented enteral nutrition was investigated in patients with malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The objective of the study was to evaluate the incorporation of preoperatively administrated PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into cell phospholipids.

Methods: Patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery (n = 40) were prospectively randomized to receive a PUFA-supplemented liquid oral diet 5 days preoperatively or an isocaloric control diet.

Early enteral gut feeding with conditionally indispensable pharmaconutrients is metabolically safe and is well tolerated in postoperative cancer patients--a pilot study.

Background & Aims: Postoperative early enteral gut feeding with conditionally indispensable pharmaconutrients can contribute to minimize trauma-induced gut damage. Aim of this pilot study was the evaluation of metabolic effects and gastrointestinal tolerance of a new enteral supplement.

Methods: In a prospective open clinical trial, 20 cancer patients received the test supplement containing glutamine (as dipeptides), antioxidative (pro-)vitamins (C, E, beta-carotene), maltodextrine, tributyrine, sodium, zinc, and selenium within 2-3 h after elective gastrointestinal surgery continuously via jejunostomy tube for 3 postoperative days (500 ml/day).