Protein and energy requirements in preterm infants.
Although protein and energy requirements in healthy growing and enterally fed infants are relatively well established, the nutritional requirements of extremely low birth weight infants are considerably less certain. New and emerging data in ELBW infants suggest high rates of energy expenditure and protein losses, which results in significant nutritional deficits and high rates of growth failure. Based on the limited and incomplete available data, energy intakes of 125-130 kcal/kg/d and protein intakes of 3.5-4 g/kg/d appear to be necessary to produce normal growth in ELBW infants. Although these intakes may be difficult to achieve in clinical practice, there is clear evidence that aggressive early nutrition can improve growth outcomes in these infants.
Denne
S C
SC
Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, James Whitcomb Riley, Hospital for Children, 699 West Drive, Room RR 208, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5119, USA. sdenne@iupui.edu
D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements
D004044:Dietary Proteins