Intravenous lipid emulsions (IVLE) provide essential fatty acids (FA) and are a dense source of energy in parenteral nutrition (PN). Parenterally administered lipid was introduced in the 17th century but plagued with side effects. The formulation of lipid emulsions later on made it a relatively safe component for administration to patients. Many ingredients are common to all IVLE, yet the oil source(s) and its (their) percentage(s) makes them different from each other. The oil used dictates how IVLE are metabolized and cleared from the body. The FA present in each type of oil provide unique beneficial and detrimental properties. This review provides an overview of IVLE and discuss factors that would help clinicians choose the optimal product for their patients.
Elucidating the characteristics of each oil source over time has resulted in an evolution of the different formulations currently available. Emulsions have gone from being solely made with soybean oil, to being combined with medium-chain triglycerides (i.e., coconut oil), olive oil, and more recently, fish oil. Unfortunately, the lipid, among other constituents in PN formulations, has been associated with the development of liver disease. Lipid-sparing or lipid-reduction strategies have therefore been proposed to avoid these complications.
The ideal IVLE would reverse or prevent essential FA deficiency without leading to complications, while simultaneously providing energy to facilitate normal growth and development. Modifications in their ingredients, formulation, and dosing have made IVLE a relatively safe component alone or when added to PN formulations. The ideal emulsion, however, has yet to be developed.