How does tpn compare to a glucose iv for nutrition?

Much better: Glucose IV is really not nutrition. Nutrition includes balanced protein, carbohydrate, lipid, electrolytes and other ingredients, all included in TPN and often personalized. We use glucose ivs short-term to avoid hypoglycemia that may happen from the body spending the available carbohydrates for energy. That being said, enteral feeding is always better (what goes in the stomach and bowels).

Think about it: Would you think eating table sugar is balance nutrition or would including protein, fats, other carbs and vitamins be better, That is the difference beyond putting it in your vein.