• To determine the effectiveness of vigorous realimentation with dietary fat, 17 subjects aged 64.0±2.1 years (mean±1 SEM) were pump-fed via a nasogastric tube for an average of 22 days. The diet was liquid and nutritionally complete, high in unsaturated fat (67% of energy) and in the caloric density (12.6 kJ/mL or 3 kcal/L). Advanced malnutrition was manifested by 74% of the ideal body weight, subnormal anthropometric measurements, and low serum protein levels. At an intake of 17086±945 kJ (4068±225 kcal) and 344±18 g of fat per day, the rate of nutrient absorption was 93% for energy and fat and 88% for protein. An increase in the daily fecal fat to 23±6 g was not associated with diarrhea. While serum triglyceride levels remained unchanged, the total cholesterol level decreased, with a relative increase in the high-density lipoprotein level. Effective utilization of nutrients resulted in a positive nitrogen balance and increases in body weight, triceps skinfold, the midarm muscle circumference, total iron binding capacity, and serum urea nitrogen level.
(Arch Intern Med 1989;149:557-560)