The effect of fat emulsion (Intralipid) on essential fatty acid deficiency in infants receiving intravenous alimentation.

Thirteen infants who received IVA in four different ways were studied. The serum fatty acid composition of the infants who received fat-free IVA showed EFA deficiency within 1 wk. This deficiency was cured by administering fat emulsion which accounted for 4% of the total caloric content of the infusate. Fat emulsion which accounted for 2% of the total calories neither improved nor prevented EFA deficiency. This means that intravenous fat emulsion, Intralipid, which accounted for 2% of the total calories as linoleic acid, still satisfies the essential fatty acid requirement.