Which dietary concern can arise from long-term parenteral nutrition?

Long-term parenteral nutrition can lead to deficiencies in micronutrients due to a few key factors. Parenteral nutrition, which involves delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. While it can effectively supply macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, managing and balancing micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) needs can be more challenging.

When individuals rely on parenteral nutrition for extended periods, there is a risk that not all essential micronutrients are adequately provided, especially if there are issues with the formulation or adjustment of the nutrient mixture. This is exacerbated when patients are unable to receive oral or enteral nutrition, and the specific requirements for individual vitamins and trace minerals may not be met, leading to potential deficiencies.

Other choices present alternative concerns, such as over-nutrition which is related to excessive caloric intake, excessive fiber intake which is not a concern in parenteral nutrition where fiber is often absent, and increased gut motility which does not apply since the gut is not being stimulated in parenteral nutrition situations. Thus, while those options address potential issues associated with diet, they do not accurately reflect the specific concern about micronutrient deficiencies that is most relevant to long-term parenteral