Iron, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, and selenium levels were measured in autopsy tissues of 8 people with short bowel syndrome who received home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved trace element formulation for an average duration of 14 years (range, 2-21). Iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium were measured by inductively coupled plasma methods; chromium, by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels in the 4 tissues studied, heart, skeletal muscle, liver, and kidney, were compared with levels in 45 controls who died without chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Results showed normal HPN patient values for iron and selenium, mild elevation of zinc, and major elevations of copper, manganese, and chromium. The implications of these results for trace-element supplements in long-term PN adult patients are discussed, and the need for reformulation of commercially available multi-trace element products in the United States is stressed.