In a stable infant, what percent of kcals should come from carbohydrate in PN?

In a stable infant, what percent of kcals should come from carbohydrate in PN?

• A. 20-30%
• B. 45-50%
• C. 60-70%
• D. 70-80%

Answer: (B)

Carbohydrates provide the bulk of non-protein calories in PN and help spare protein for growth. In a stable infant, about half of total energy should come from carbohydrate, specifically in the 45-50% range. This balance supplies enough glucose for energy and brain needs while leaving enough lipid energy to meet total needs and deliver essential fatty acids. Going higher with carbohydrate increases risks of hyperglycemia and metabolic stress, and going lower pushes more energy onto lipids (which has its own considerations) and can limit non-protein energy. So 45-50% of kilocalories from carbohydrate is the most appropriate target.

Carbohydrates provide the bulk of non-protein calories in PN and help spare protein for growth. In a stable infant, about half of total energy should come from carbohydrate, specifically in the 45-50% range. This balance supplies enough glucose for energy and brain needs while leaving enough lipid energy to meet total needs and deliver essential fatty acids. Going higher with carbohydrate increases risks of hyperglycemia and metabolic stress, and going lower pushes more energy onto lipids (which has its own considerations) and can limit non-protein energy. So 45-50% of kilocalories from carbohydrate is the most appropriate target.