What is Intravenous Food Called? Understanding Parenteral Nutrition

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Approximately 15% of hospitalized patients receive some form of artificial nutritional support, which includes intravenous feeding. So, what is intravenous food called and what does it entail for patient care? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the medical term for intravenous food, its different types, and how it is administered.

Quick Summary

Intravenous food, or artificial nutrition delivered directly into the bloodstream, is medically known as parenteral nutrition. This method bypasses the digestive system and includes solutions like Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN).

Key Points

Term is Parenteral Nutrition: The medical term for intravenous food, which bypasses the digestive tract, is parenteral nutrition (PN).
Two Main Types: The primary forms are Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) for complete nutritional support and Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) for supplemental feeding.
Delivery Method: PN is administered through a catheter placed into a vein, which can be either a peripheral vein for PPN or a central vein (often via a PICC line) for TPN.
Used When Digestion Fails: It is a necessary treatment for patients with a non-functional or compromised gastrointestinal tract due to conditions like intestinal blockage or severe malabsorption.
Complex Solution: The nutrient solution is a carefully formulated mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, customized for each patient.
Requires Careful Monitoring: Patients on PN, especially TPN, are closely monitored for metabolic imbalances and potential complications by a medical team.
Infection is a Risk: A significant risk associated with PN is catheter-related bloodstream infections, necessitating strict sterile protocols.

The Medical Term for Intravenous Food

The medical term for intravenous food is parenteral nutrition (PN). The word "parenteral" literally means "outside the digestive tract," as this method of feeding bypasses the gastrointestinal (GI) system entirely. Instead, a specially formulated liquid solution containing essential nutrients is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) catheter. This provides necessary hydration, calories, and nutrients to patients who cannot eat, digest, or absorb enough food on their own.

The Two Primary Types of Parenteral Nutrition

PN is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. It is primarily categorized into two types, depending on the patient's nutritional needs.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): This is a complete nutritional solution that provides all the calories, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals a person needs. TPN is typically used for patients whose digestive system is not functioning at all.
Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN): Unlike TPN, PPN is used as a supplementary form of nutrition. It is administered when a patient can get some nutrients through their gut, but not enough to meet their daily requirements. PPN solutions are less concentrated than TPN and are often used for shorter periods.

The Components of Intravenous Food

Each bag of parenteral nutrition is a customized medical solution designed to meet an individual patient's specific nutritional needs. A typical solution contains the following components:

Carbohydrates: Typically in the form of dextrose, these provide the body with energy.
Proteins: A mixture of amino acids provides the building blocks for tissues and enzymes.
Fats (Lipids): Given as a lipid emulsion, these supply calories and prevent essential fatty acid deficiencies.
Vitamins and Minerals: These micronutrients are added to support the body's metabolic functions.
Electrolytes: Essential for nerve and muscle function, electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are included.

Why is Parenteral Nutrition Necessary?

Parenteral nutrition is a life-sustaining treatment used for various medical conditions that interfere with normal digestion. It is indicated when the gastrointestinal tract is impaired or needs to be completely rested. Common scenarios requiring TPN or PPN include:

Short Bowel Syndrome: When a significant portion of the small intestine is surgically removed, making it unable to absorb sufficient nutrients.
Intestinal Obstructions: Blockages that prevent the passage of food through the gut.
Severe Malabsorption Disorders: Conditions like Crohn's disease or chronic pancreatitis that severely limit nutrient absorption.
Bowel Rest: Giving the digestive system a chance to heal after major abdominal surgery or in cases of severe inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancer Treatment: Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation who are unable to eat due to nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores.

Comparison: Parenteral Nutrition vs. Enteral Nutrition

While both parenteral and enteral nutrition are forms of artificial feeding, they differ fundamentally in their delivery method and function.


Feature	Parenteral Nutrition (IV Feeding)	Enteral Nutrition (Tube Feeding)
Delivery Route	Directly into the bloodstream via a vein.	Directly into the stomach or small intestine via a tube.
GI Tract Involvement	Bypasses the entire digestive system.	Requires a functional or partially functional gastrointestinal tract.
Solution Components	A sterile, pre-mixed solution containing dextrose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.	A blended formula of macronutrients delivered in a liquid suspension.
Primary Use Case	When the gut is non-functional or needs complete rest.	When swallowing is impaired or calorie needs cannot be met orally, but the gut is working.
Infection Risk	Higher risk of bloodstream infection due to catheter placement.	Lower risk of systemic infection; catheter site infection is possible.
Cost	Generally more expensive due to sterile preparation and components.	Less expensive than parenteral nutrition.
Physiological Impact	Can lead to atrophy of the gut over time due to lack of use.	Helps maintain the structure and function of the digestive tract.

How is Parenteral Nutrition Administered and Monitored?

Parenteral nutrition is administered through a catheter, or a thin plastic tube, that is placed into a vein. For short-term or supplemental nutrition, a peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter in a smaller vein, such as in the arm, may be used for PPN. For long-term use, especially with concentrated TPN solutions, a central venous catheter is placed into a large vein in the neck or chest. A specific type is the PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line, inserted in the arm and guided to a large chest vein.

Strict medical protocols are followed during administration to minimize the risk of infection. This includes using sterile techniques for preparing and handling the solution and catheter. Patients receiving PN, particularly TPN, require careful monitoring by a healthcare team. This involves regular blood tests to check electrolyte levels, blood sugar, and liver function, ensuring the solution is balanced correctly for the patient.

Risks and Potential Complications

While life-saving, parenteral nutrition is not without risks. The most common complications include:

Catheter-related bloodstream infections: A major risk due to the presence of a central venous catheter.
Metabolic complications: Imbalances in glucose levels (hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia) or electrolyte abnormalities are possible and require careful management.
Liver complications: Long-term PN can sometimes lead to liver issues, including gallbladder problems.
Blood clots: Thromboembolism can occur at the catheter insertion site.

Conclusion

What is intravenous food called? The correct medical term is parenteral nutrition, a crucial medical intervention for patients whose digestive systems are unable to function properly. By delivering a tailored nutrient solution directly into the bloodstream, it provides vital support that can be life-saving. Understanding the different types—TPN and PPN—and the administration process is key for both patients and caregivers. While associated with certain risks, modern medical practices and vigilant monitoring ensure that parenteral nutrition remains a safe and effective method for nutritional support.

For more detailed information on total parenteral nutrition, refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) via the National Library of Medicine's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Intravenous food, or parenteral nutrition, is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein, bypassing the digestive system completely. A feeding tube, or enteral nutrition, delivers food directly into the stomach or small intestine and requires a functional gastrointestinal tract.

No, TPN is not the same as standard IV fluids. Standard IV fluids, such as saline, primarily provide hydration and electrolytes. TPN is a complex, nutrient-dense solution that provides comprehensive calories, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals when a patient cannot get nutrition through their digestive system.

The duration a person can be on intravenous food varies widely depending on the underlying medical condition. It can range from several days or weeks in a hospital setting to being a long-term or even lifelong treatment for chronic conditions like short bowel syndrome.

This depends on the patient's condition and the type of PN they receive. Patients on TPN are often unable to eat normally. However, some patients receiving PPN or transitioning off TPN may be able to consume limited oral food or liquids as their condition improves.

The risks include bloodstream infections from the catheter site, metabolic complications like blood sugar imbalances, liver problems with long-term use, and the potential for blood clots.

Parenteral nutrition solutions are custom-prepared by a pharmacist in a sterile environment based on a doctor's and dietitian's assessment of the patient's specific needs. The mixture contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace minerals.

PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. It is a type of central venous catheter used for administering parenteral nutrition over an extended period. The line is inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the arm, and then guided into a larger vein near the heart.