American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

The American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition’s (ASPEN) development of parenteral (intravenous) nutrition in 1968, an innovative therapy to nourish individuals during illness and starvation, provided an option to healthcare clinicians concerned with their patients’ nutritional status. This newly developed therapy gave birth to an organization, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) when in 1975, 35 dedicated healthcare professionals met in Chicago to create an interdisciplinary association. A.S.P.E.N. was founded for the purpose of providing optimal nutrition to all people under all conditions at all times. The pioneers of A.S.P.E.N. recognized the importance of research, clinical practice, advocacy, education, and an interdisciplinary approach to nutrition support therapy.