In the United States, intravenous fat emulsions are composed mainly of which oil?

• A. Safflower oil
• B. Olive oil
• C. Coconut oil
• D. Soybean oil

Answer: (D)

IV fat emulsions used for parenteral nutrition in the United States are primarily soybean oil–based. This oil provides a high content of essential fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, which are necessary to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency and to supply calories efficiently. While other oils (like olive or coconut/MCT-containing formulations) exist for specific indications or regions, the standard US lipid emulsions have long been soybean oil–based, making it the predominant choice.