The indications for parenteral nutrition have been examined over the past year. These studies have mostly supported the enteral compared to the intravenous route. Because a formal diagnosis of intestinal failure has not always been the key to initiating intravenous nutrition, however, the clinical applications of their conclusions are uncertain. Studies have also focused on supplementing intravenous nutrition with glutamine; the lack of ideal control groups makes interpretation difficult. Finally, based on present evidence, a pragmatic approach to the provision of intravenous nutrition can be supported.