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Factors influencing sleeping metabolic rate in infants
M P Eccles1, T J Cole, R G Whitehead
1Medical Research Council Dunn Nutrition Unit, Cambridge, UK.
Insights
Acute infections did not increase sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) in West African infants. Adjusted SMR even decreased during malaria and fever, likely due to reduced energy intake, contrary to expectations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Metabolism
- Infectious Diseases in Infancy
- Nutritional Physiology
Background:
- Infant metabolic rate is crucial for growth and development.
- Understanding factors influencing sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) in infants is vital.
- Acute infections are common in West African infants and may impact energy expenditure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) in West African infants.
- To determine the specific impact of acute infections on SMR.
- To analyze the relationship between body weight, temperature, and SMR during illness.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of seven West African infants from birth to one year.
- Monitoring of sleeping metabolic rate (SMR).
- Adjustment for body weight and body temperature changes during illness.
Main Results:
- No significant increase in SMR was observed during acute infections after adjusting for weight and temperature.
- Adjusted SMR showed a decrease during episodes of malaria and 'fever'.
- Observed changes in SMR were consistent with previous research, except for the impact of specific infections.
Conclusions:
- Acute infections do not elevate SMR in infants.
- Reduced energy intake may explain the observed decrease in SMR during certain illnesses like malaria and fever.
- Further research into nutritional status and metabolic responses during infant infections is warranted.
Abstract:
Seven West African infants were studied prospectively from birth to 1 year to investigate factors affecting sleeping metabolic rate (SMR), particularly acute infection. There was no rise in SMR associated with acute infection, after adjustment for the effects of changes in body weight and body temperature. In the case of two illnesses, malaria and 'fever', there were falls in adjusted SMR. It is suggested that these falls can be accounted for by the effects of altered energy intake. Other effects on SMR were in close agreement with previous work.