What is the main risk factor for developing fatty liver in patients receiving parenteral nutrition?

The primary risk factor for developing fatty liver in patients receiving parenteral nutrition is excessive calorie intake. When patients are given parenteral nutrition, they receive nutrients directly into their bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. If the caloric intake exceeds the body’s energy needs, it can lead to the accumulation of excess energy in the form of fat in the liver, resulting in hepatic steatosis or fatty liver.

In the context of parenteral nutrition, several factors must be carefully monitored, including the total caloric delivery. If the calories provided are significantly higher than what the patient requires for their metabolic needs, the liver is unable to properly metabolize this surplus, leading to fat deposition in liver cells.

Other options like low protein intake, low carbohydrate intake, and high sodium intake do not have the same direct impact on fatty liver development as excessive calorie intake. While protein is vital for liver function, its deficiency is less commonly a direct cause of fatty liver compared to an overabundance of calories. Low carbohydrate intake usually does not lead to fatty liver if calories are still balanced, and while high sodium intake has its own health implications, it is not specifically a recognized risk factor for the development of fatty liver in this context. Thus, managing calor