Energy requirements of infants predicted from total energy expenditure and growth

We estimated energy requirements of infants from birth to 12 months of age from total energy expenditure and energy deposition as protein and fat (Table 6, Figures 5 and 6). The energy costs of protein and fat synthesis are covered in the estimate of total energy expenditure and therefore have been excluded from this estimate of energy deposition. The relatively low energy deposition at 0-1 months and high estimate at 1-2 months may be in error. Because fat deposition probably does not increase so abruptly between 1 and 2 months, the average energy deposition for the interval 0-2 months was used in calculating energy requirements. The 1985 FAO/WHO/UNU energy requirements are 9-39% higher than these estimates. These discrepancies are not trivial and could lead to overfeeding of infants.

FIGURE 4 Energy cost of fat and protein deposition in infants (kcal/d).(Boys)

FIGURE 4 Energy cost of fat and protein deposition in infants (kcal/d).(Girls)

A comparison of FAO/WHO/UNU energy requirements and estimations based on energy intakes recorded after 1980 and on TEE and growth is graphically displayed in Figures 7 and 8.

FIGURE 5 Energy requirements of infants estimated from total energy expediture and energy deposition (kcal/d).