What is the phosphorus requirement for infants in NICU for growth?

For infants in the NICU, the phosphorus requirement for optimal growth is typically around 1.5 to 2 mmol/kg/day. Phosphorus is essential in various metabolic processes, including energy production, bone mineralization, and nucleic acid synthesis. In preterm or ill infants, who are often in a catabolic state or have higher demands for growth, maintaining an appropriate phosphorus intake is crucial for neonatal growth and development.

The recommendation of 1.5 to 2 mmol/kg/day reflects the needs of these vulnerable patients, ensuring they receive enough phosphorus to support their metabolic activities and developmental processes during critical growth phases. This intake helps to prevent potential complications associated with phosphorus deficiency, such as impaired bone mineralization and metabolic bone disease.

Higher intake levels, such as those in the incorrect options, could lead to excessive phosphorus, which may not be necessary or could cause other metabolic imbalances, while lower levels could jeopardize growth and development. Thus, the specified range supports balanced growth and metabolic health for infants in the NICU setting.