Effects of enteral and parenteral feeding of malnourished rats on body composition.

Many studies have reported similar weight gains and nitrogen balance in groups of well-nourished animals fed either orally or intravenously, but none have investigated the effects on malnourished animals. After protein depleting for 14 days, rats were refed with a D25-4.25% amino acid solution orally ad lib, by gastrostomy, or intravenously. IV animals gained more weight with greater body fat formation than either enteral group but had lower intestinal mass and nitrogen. Route of administration influenced substrate utilization in malnourished animals fed identical diets. We conclude that weight gain cannot be used as a comparative indicator of nitrogen retention between malnourished animals fed enterally and those fed intravenously.