The authors introduce a survey of some present knowledge on the problem of clinical nutrition. The knowledge of the changes in the organism during short-term and long-term starvation is summarized. The attention is paid to practical results of research studies, which extend the possibilities of using some amino acids, fats and other compounds for clinical nutrition. The authors pay particular attention to parenteral clinical nutrition, its administration and preparation. The survey presents preparations of clinical parenteral nutrition (except basic infusion solutions), which are available in the Czech Republic and recommendations of their selection according to age categories and character of the disease in the child patients, where clinical nutrition is necessary.

        Key words: energy reserves in the organism, clinical nutrition, parenteral nutrition, child age