Nutrition for Special Groups

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 17: Nutritional Care for Infants

Energy

Energy needs per unit of body weight peak during the first year of life because of the infants rapid BMR and growth. While an adult may require only about 40 kcals/kg body weight, the infant requires about 100kcal per kilogram of body weight.
Energy is used to support basal metabolism, growth and activity. how energy is used for different purposes during the first year of life.

Source:
Energy RDA during infancy are:

• 92 kcals/kg/d for 0-6 month old infant
• 80 kcals/kg/d for 6-12 month old infants

Usually formula fed infants have higher energy intake than breast fed infants and this also reflects on their weight gain.