Energy requirements of breast-fed infants

Current recommendations for energy intake are reviewed in light of emerging data on energy intakes of breast-fed infants and on total daily energy expenditure of infants. For determination of energy requirements, the historical approach based on observed intakes of healthy infants is compared with a newly proposed approach based on energy expenditure and deposition. A data set of exclusively breast-fed infants is used to illustrate the circuity of either approach. Energy intake, expenditure, and stores must be evaluated in an assessment of dietary adequacy. Ultimately, energy requirements of infants should reflect growth rate, body composition, and level of physical activity conducive to optimal health and neurobehavioral development.