Parenteral Nutrition: Supporting Your Body When Oral Intake Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, our bodies need nutrition in a way that doesn’t involve the stomach or intestines. This is where parenteral nutrition (PN)—nutrition delivered directly through an IV—can be incredibly helpful. While it comes with slightly higher risks than other forms of nutrition support, it can be a safe and effective way to give your body the fuel it needs when medically necessary.

Why Hospital Support Matters

Starting PN in a hospital allows your care team to make sure everything is safe and tailored to your body. In the hospital, your team can:

1. Place the IV line safely.

2. Check lab values before starting the infusion.

3. Monitor electrolytes and nutrients as the infusion is gradually advanced.

During this process, replacement of electrolytes is often needed. Once your labs are stable and your body is adjusting well, you can safely continue PN as an outpatient with guidance from a skilled team. See our blog Gentle Nutrition to learn about why it’s important to go slow and steady at this stage. 

How the Infusion Progresses

Parenteral nutrition is introduced gradually to help your body adjust and so we can follow the lab values closely.

• Week 1: The infusion is slowly increased until the goal rate is reached.

• Week 2: If everything is stable, the infusion can often be shortened—typically running 16–18 hours while still meeting your nutritional needs.

• Long-term goal: Many patients eventually run their infusion overnight for about 12 hours, allowing more freedom during the day to eat, drink, and move comfortably.

This gradual approach ensures your body can adapt safely while still receiving the nutrition it needs.

Optimizing Nutrition and Your Experience

PN isn’t just about calories—it’s about the right nutrients in the right balance. Dietitians work closely with the team to:

• Include essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus in proper ratios.

• Minimize nutrients that can be harmful, like aluminum.

• Adjust strategies for those who may be sensitive to infusion equipment, keeping comfort in mind.

The goal isn’t just meeting your nutritional needs—it’s supporting your quality of life, helping you feel your best while on PN.

How Dietitians Support You

As dietitians, we help make PN safe, effective, and personalized. We:

• Ensure your IV nutrition is optimized for your body.

• Monitor and adjust nutrients to keep your labs in balance.

• Optimize bone and mineral health

• Work with your medical team to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Parenteral nutrition can be a powerful tool when it’s needed. With the right support, it’s not just about maintaining health—it’s about helping your body thrive, feel strong, and regain energy.