Abstract
Energy cost of growth of VLBW(⩽1300 g at birth) formula fed (SMA 20/24) infants(mean±SE weight at study: 1390±50g; age at study: 24±2d) has been determined. By combining open circuit indirect calorimetry in a thermoneutral environment, dietary balances and anthropometric measurements in 34 studies on 19 growing infants, we measured: 1) metabolizable energy intake(MEI) or the absorbed proportion(85%) of energy intake(150±3 Kcal/kg.d); 2) metabolic energy expenditure(MR); 3) postprandial thermic effect or specific dynamic action(SDA), assumed to be the metabolic cost of tissue synthesis; 4) weight gain(Wt.G). The energy of nutrients stored as new tissue(E.stored) is determined as: MEI-MR-SDA. The energy cost of growth(E.growth)=E.stored + cost of tissue synthesis(SDA). Results(mean±SE Kcal/kg.d):
Conclusions: In these VLBW infants 46% of the energy intake is utilized for growth(comprising 41% energy stored and 5% energy for new tissue synthesis). The energy cost of deposition of lg of new tissue(E.growth/WtG) is 4.1±.2Kcal and thus to attain the equivalent of intrauterine Wt.G(∼15g/Kg.d) a metabolizable calorie intake of 50-60 Kcal/kg.d in excess of maintenance energy requirements must be provided.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chessex, P., Reichman, B., Verellen, G. et al. 233 ENERGY COST OF GROWTH OF VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT(VLBW) INFANTS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 478 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00243
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00243