ABSTRACT
We have seen how our best estimates of the nutritional requirements are relatively imprecise (Chapter 8). This is partly unavoidable due to the heterogeneity of the patient population. Given the rapid changes in growth rate during the third trimester it should come as no surprise that the nutrient requirements change rapidly as well. For example, the protein requirements of preterm infants decrease as they grow and mature, but their energy requirements increase (Table III.1).1 Rapid changes are also seen for the requirements for trace minerals such as zinc. Fractional zinc requirements (per kg body weight) fall for 500 mcg/kg/d at weight 1 kg to 20 mcg/kg/d at weight 10 kg (Table III.2).2
