Which statement describes carbohydrate intake in PN for a stable infant?

Which statement describes carbohydrate intake in PN for a stable infant?

• A. Carbohydrate should provide 20-30% of kcals
• B. Carbohydrate should provide 60-70% of kcals
• C. Carbohydrate should provide 70-80% of kcals
• D. Carbohydrate should provide 45-50% of kcals

Answer: (D)

In parenteral nutrition for a stable infant, carbohydrate should provide about 45-50% of total calories. This balance allows glucose to meet the strong energy demands of rapid growth while leaving enough energy from fats to support essential fatty acids and overall caloric density. Providing a moderate share of energy from carbohydrates helps spare amino acids for tissue synthesis rather than using them for energy, which supports better growth and nitrogen balance. If carbohydrate energy were much higher (60-70% or more), the infant would be at greater risk for hyperglycemia and CO2 production; if it were much lower (like 20-30%), energy shortfalls could occur, potentially leading to catabolism of protein and inadequate growth. Thus 45-50% of kcals from carbohydrate is the best-supported target for a stable infant on PN.

In parenteral nutrition for a stable infant, carbohydrate should provide about 45-50% of total calories. This balance allows glucose to meet the strong energy demands of rapid growth while leaving enough energy from fats to support essential fatty acids and overall caloric density. Providing a moderate share of energy from carbohydrates helps spare amino acids for tissue synthesis rather than using them for energy, which supports better growth and nitrogen balance. If carbohydrate energy were much higher (60-70% or more), the infant would be at greater risk for hyperglycemia and CO2 production; if it were much lower (like 20-30%), energy shortfalls could occur, potentially leading to catabolism of protein and inadequate growth. Thus 45-50% of kcals from carbohydrate is the best-supported target for a stable infant on PN.