Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The protein requirements for term infants are generally established to support their rapid growth and development. Term infants need approximately 2 to 2.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This amount is crucial to provide the necessary building blocks for growth, immune function, and overall health.

The reasoning behind this specific range is based on the unique nutritional needs of infants, who are growing rapidly in their first year of life. Adequate protein intake plays a significant role in the development of muscles, tissues, and various physiological functions.

As infants transition from breast milk or formula, their protein sources must adequately meet these requirements to support optimal growth and development. This figure ensures that infants have enough protein to build and repair tissues as well as to support metabolic processes.

It is also important to consider that the average protein requirement of other age groups may vary significantly; thus, the recommended protein intake for term infants is specifically tailored to their needs during this important growth period.