Which components are included in the standard NICU starter solution?

The standard NICU starter solution is designed to provide the essential nutrients that newborns, particularly premature infants, require for initial metabolic support and growth. The inclusion of glucose in the solution is vital as it serves as a primary energy source for these infants, supporting their immediate metabolic needs. Amino acids are critical as they are the building blocks of proteins, indispensable for tissue development and repair, especially in the vulnerable population found in the NICU. Calcium is essential for bone development and various physiological functions. Water is necessary for hydration and to ensure appropriate cellular function and nutrient transport.

In contrast, the other options either include components that are not primary in a starter solution or combine elements in ways that do not align with the primary focus on immediate nutritional support in the NICU setting. For instance, while fiber is important for digestive health, it is not included in a starter solution, as the immediate nutritional needs typically do not require it. Similarly, while fats are important for energy and growth later on, they are not a focus for the initial starter solution.