The parenteral multivitamin preparations that are commercially available in the United States (U.S.) meet the requirements for most patients who receive parenteral nutrition (PN). However, a separate parenteral vitamin D preparation (cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) should be made available for treatment of patients with vitamin D deficiency unresponsive to oral vitamin D supplementation. Carnitine is commercially available and should be routinely added to neonatal PN formulations. Choline should also be routinely added to adult and pediatric PN formulations; however, a commercially available parenteral product needs to be developed. The parenteral multi–trace element (TE) preparations that are commercially available in the U.S. require significant modifications. Single‐entity trace element products can be used to meet individual patient needs when the multiple‐element products are inappropriate (see Summary/A.S.P.E.N. Recommendations section for details of these proposed modifications).

In response to questions regarding use of standardized parenteral nutrition (PN) formulations, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) developed a Task Force to address some of these issues. A.S.P.E.N. envisions standardized PN as a broader issue rather than simply using a standardized, commercially available PN product. A standardized process for PN must be explored in order to improve patient safety and clinical appropriateness, and to maximize resource efficiency. A standardized process may include use of standardized PN formulations (including standardized, commercial PN products) but also includes aspects of ordering, labeling, screening, compounding, and administration of PN. A safe PN system must exist which minimizes procedural incidents and maximizes the ability to meet individual patient requirements. Using clinicians with nutrition support therapy expertise will contribute to that safe PN system. The purpose of this statement is to present the published literature associated with standardized PN formulations, to provide recommendations, and to identify areas in need of future research.

The currently available, standard soybean oil (SO)-based intravenous fat emulsions (IVFEs) meet the needs of most parenteral nutrition (PN) patients. There are alternative oil-based fat emulsions, such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), olive oils (OOs), and fish oils (FOs), that, based on extensive usage in Europe, have an equivalent safety profile to SO. These alternative IVFEs are metabolized via different pathways, which may lead to less proinflammatory effects and less immune suppression. These alternative oil-based IVFEs are not currently available in the United States. Many patients who require IVFEs are already in a compromised state. Such patients could potentially have better clinical outcomes when receiving one of the alternative IVFEs to diminish the intake of the potentially proinflammatory ω-6 fatty acid-linoleic acid-which comprises more than 50% of the fatty acid profile in SO. Further research is needed on these alternative oil-based IVFEs to identify which IVFE oils or which combination of oils may be most clinically useful for specific patient populations.

Product (drug) shortages have had a significant impact on the healthcare system, particularly on patients and clinicians. This has been especially true with patients requiring parenteral nutrition (PN). The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has dealt with PN product shortages in the past on behalf of its members and their patients. However, the shortage severity and duration have made dealing with the PN product shortages in 2010-2012 extremely challenging.

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