In a stable infant, how much protein should be provided by parenteral support?

In a stable infant, how much protein should be provided by parenteral support?

• A. 0.5-1 g/kg/day
• B. 2-3 g/kg/day
• C. 4-5 g/kg/day
• D. 6-7 g/kg/day

Answer: (B)

The key idea is providing enough protein to support growth and maintain positive nitrogen balance without overloading the infant’s metabolism. For a stable infant on parenteral nutrition, a moderate amino acid dose of about 2–3 g per kg per day is appropriate. This range supplies the necessary nitrogen for tissue synthesis as growth continues, while avoiding the risks associated with excessive amino acid loads, such as azotemia, hepatic or renal strain, and metabolic imbalances. Providing too little protein (0.5–1 g/kg/day) would not support ongoing growth or nitrogen balance. Very high doses (4–5 or 6–7 g/kg/day) are unnecessary in stability and can lead to metabolic complications despite the higher protein intake.

The key idea is providing enough protein to support growth and maintain positive nitrogen balance without overloading the infant’s metabolism. For a stable infant on parenteral nutrition, a moderate amino acid dose of about 2–3 g per kg per day is appropriate. This range supplies the necessary nitrogen for tissue synthesis as growth continues, while avoiding the risks associated with excessive amino acid loads, such as azotemia, hepatic or renal strain, and metabolic imbalances.

Providing too little protein (0.5–1 g/kg/day) would not support ongoing growth or nitrogen balance. Very high doses (4–5 or 6–7 g/kg/day) are unnecessary in stability and can lead to metabolic complications despite the higher protein intake.