What is the caloric goal for enteral nutrition in term infants?

The caloric goal for enteral nutrition in term infants is typically aimed at providing sufficient energy to support growth and development during the critical early stages of life. The correct caloric range for term infants is generally established as 100-130 kcal/kg per day. This range supports optimal growth patterns, ensuring that infants receive adequate nutrition for their high metabolic demands, development of body tissues, and overall health.

Infants have unique nutritional needs due to their rapid growth rates. Providing calories beyond this range could lead to excessive weight gain, while insufficient calories can result in poor growth and developmental delays. Hence, the recommendation of 100-130 kcal/kg reflects a balance that meets the energy requirements for healthy term infants.

The other ranges provided do not align as closely with established pediatric guidelines for caloric intake in infants. These guidelines take into account not just typical caloric needs but also considerations for growth, breastfeeding, and formula feeding situations.