A.S.P.E.N. Parenteral Nutrition Trace Element Product Shortage Considerations

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) provided guidelines to manage parenteral nutrition (PN) trace element shortages. They recommended assessing each patient's need for PN and using oral or enteral nutrition when possible. IV multi-trace element products should be reserved for those with a therapeutic need, and individual trace elements should be administered if multi-trace products are unavailable. Monitoring for deficiencies and using oral/enteral supplements were advised. The use of pediatric or neonatal products for adults was discouraged to prevent shortages in those populations. During shortages, rationing and careful management of trace element products were necessary, with specific recommendations for different age groups and deficiency symptoms outlined for elements like zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and chromium.