In infants with IBD, energy needs may be elevated by what percentage above estimated needs?

In infants with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), energy requirements can indeed be higher than those of healthy infants due to the increased metabolic demands associated with the condition. This elevation in energy needs is primarily attributed to the body’s efforts to combat inflammation, heal tissue, and support overall growth and development during a challenging illness.

The correct choice indicates that energy needs may be elevated by 10 to 20% above estimated caloric requirements. This is a range that reflects the actual increase in metabolic activity and the body's response to the inflammatory process. Proper nutritional management is crucial in these cases, as it ensures that infants receive adequate calories to support their growth despite the challenges posed by IBD, which can contribute to malabsorption and other nutritional deficiencies.

Understanding this increase in energy needs is pivotal for healthcare providers involved in the management of infants with IBD, as they must tailor nutritional interventions to accommodate these elevated requirements to promote optimal growth and development.