Comparison of Two Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a way of feeding a person intravenously, and is required when the gastrointestinal tract is not able to function properly. TPN contains carbohydrates, protein, and fat and lipids. It also contains minerals and vitamins. The lipid that is currently used at the University Health Network home TPN program is Intralipid20%, which is based on Soybean oil, contains polyunsaturated fats and is a good source of energy and essential fatty acids, including omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which needed by the body. However, long term use on Intralipid20% has been shown to have negative effects on antioxidant status, inflammation, liver, and the immune system. SMOFlipid20% is a lipid emulsion that has been designed to maximize the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids, in an effort to avoid potentially harmful effects associated with Intralipid20%. In previous studies, it has been shown that SMOFlipid20% is safe and has positive benefits on the liver enzymes. There are no studies so far which follow patient who is on SMOFlipid20% long term. The investigators hope to show that with long term use of SMOFlipid20% is better for liver function compared to Intralipid20%.