TRACE ELEMENTS IN INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS

Abstract

The zinc, copper and manganese concentrations in certain intravenous fluids have been measured and the results recorded. The daily intakes of these metals have been calculated for two patients, one an adult and the other an infant, receiving complete parenteral nutrition, and these intakes have been compared when possible with the known daily requirements of the metals by the patients. It is suggested that if total nutrition by the parenteral route is continued for prolonged periods, the recipient of the therapy may develop a deficiency of trace metals, especially if his requirements are increased by abnormal losses. We therefore suggest that trace elements should be included in the types of intravenous solutions used for long-term parenteral therapy.