In an infant with adequate energy intake, what is the minimum amount of fat emulsion containing long-chain fatty acids needed to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency?

• A. 0.2-0.4 g/kg/d
• B. 0.5-1.0 g/kg/d
• C. 1.1-1.5 g/kg/d
• D. 1.8-2.0 g/kg/d

Answer: (B)

Essential fatty acids from long-chain fats are required for infant growth and skin integrity. Even when energy needs are met by other nutrients, a minimum fat intake is needed to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency. The lowest amount of fat emulsion containing long-chain fatty acids that reliably prevents EFAD in an infant with adequate energy intake is about 0.5 g/kg per day, with typical recommendations spanning up to 1.0 g/kg per day. Providing less than this increases EFAD risk, while higher amounts may be used if energy needs are greater.