In soybean oil-based IVFE, linoleic acid accounts for approximately what percentage of total calories?

In soybean oil-based IVFE, linoleic acid accounts for approximately what percentage of total calories?

• A. 55-60%
• B. 10-20%
• C. 25-35%
• D. 70-80%

Answer: (A)

In soybean oil–based IVFE, linoleic acid is the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid. Soybean oil typically contains about 55–60% linoleic acid by fatty acid content. Since each gram of fat provides roughly the same 9 kcal, the calories contributed by linoleic acid reflect its share of the fatty acids, which means linoleic acid accounts for about 55–60% of the total calories from the IVFE. The other options would imply a fatty acid profile that isn’t characteristic of soybean oil (either much less or much more linoleic acid). So, the best estimate is 55–60%.

In soybean oil–based IVFE, linoleic acid is the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid. Soybean oil typically contains about 55–60% linoleic acid by fatty acid content. Since each gram of fat provides roughly the same 9 kcal, the calories contributed by linoleic acid reflect its share of the fatty acids, which means linoleic acid accounts for about 55–60% of the total calories from the IVFE. The other options would imply a fatty acid profile that isn’t characteristic of soybean oil (either much less or much more linoleic acid). So, the best estimate is 55–60%.