Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in Recovering Malnourished Infants

Abstract

Background. Malnourished infants are small for age and weight.Objectives. Determine profiles in 24-hour energy metabolism in recovering malnourished infants and compare to similarly aged healthy controls.Methods. 10 malnourished infants (58.1±5.9 cm,7.7±5.6months) were healthy prior to spending 22 hours in the Enhanced Metabolic Testing Activity Chamber for measurement of EE (kcal/min), sleeping metabolic rate (SMR; kcal/min), respiratory quotient (RQ;VCO2/VO2), and physical activity (PA; oscillations in wt/min/kg body weight). Metabolic data were extrapolated to 24 hours (kcal/kg/d). Energy intake (kcal/kg/d) and the proportions (%) of carbohydrate, protein, and fat were calculated. Anthropometrics for malnourished infants were obtained. Statistical differences (P<.05) between groups were determined (SPSS, version 13).Results. In comparison to controls, malnourished infants were lighter (4.1±1.2versus7.3±0.8 kg;P<.05), had less body fat % (10.3±7.6versus25.7±2.5), and lower BMI (12.0±1.7versus15.5±1.5;P<.05). In contrast, they had greater energy intake (142.7±14.6versus85.1±25.8;P<.05) with a greater percentage of carbohydrates (55.1±3.9versus47.2±5.2;P<.05). However, malnourished infants had greater 24-hour EE (101.3±20.1versus78.6±8.4;P<.05), SMR (92.6±17.1versus65.0±3.9;P<.05), and RQ (1.00±0.13versus0.86±0.08;P<.05) along with a lower amount of PA (2.3±0.94versus4.0±1.5;P<.05).Conclusions. Malnourished infants require more energy, possibly for growth.