Question

What is the caloric requirement for very preterm (<32 weeks) infants?

a) 50-70 kcal/kg/day
b) 80-100 kcal/kg/day
c) 120-150 kcal/kg/day
d) 180-200 kcal/kg/day

Answer 1

The caloric requirement for very preterm (<32 weeks) infants is 120-150 kcal/kg/day to support high metabolic demands and catch-up growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The caloric requirement for very preterm infants (less than 32 weeks) is generally 120-150 kcal/kg/day. This is because their metabolic demands are high, and they need extra calories for catch-up growth.

Premature infants have distinct physiological conditions and their nutritional needs are significantly different compared to full-term infants. They need higher calories to promote adequate growth and to establish sufficient body stores that they missed out on accumulating in the final trimester of pregnancy, which are necessary for brain development and other vital functions.