Parenteral nutrition

Parenteral nutrition is special medicine that is given to people who cannot eat food normally. Imagine your tummy is like a big car that needs fuel to run. People who cannot eat properly have a tummy that doesn't work like a normal car. Instead of regular food, they need special medicine that goes straight to their bloodstream to give their body the energy it needs.

The special medicine can be made up of different things like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. It's like a special puzzle that gives the body everything it needs to stay healthy.

The medicine is given through a tube that goes directly into a person's vein. The tube can be put in different parts of the body, like the arm, chest, or neck. The doctor will choose the best spot for the tube depending on where it’s most comfortable for the person.

People who need parenteral nutrition will have it for a long time, sometimes even for the rest of their lives. The medicine is given slowly over many hours so that the body can absorb it properly.

Parenteral nutrition isn't like eating normal food, but it helps people who can't eat normally to stay healthy and get the nutrients they need to grow and have energy.