Intravenous amino acids should be given immediately after birth to provide:

• A. 1.5 gms/kg per day
• B. 2.5 gms/kg per day
• C. 3.5 gms/kg per day
• D. 4.0 gms/kg per day

Answer: (C)

Providing amino acids intravenously right after birth supplies the building blocks for rapid growth and helps maintain positive nitrogen balance in newborns. Neonates, especially preterm infants, have high protein needs to support tissue development and repair, and starting parenteral amino acids early ensures they receive essential amino acids for protein synthesis rather than breaking down body proteins for energy. A target of about 3.5 g/kg/day offers enough protein to meet these needs during the critical early days without overloading the infant’s initiating metabolism or kidneys. Lower amounts would risk continued catabolism and poor growth, while higher amounts may be used later or in specific cases, but 3.5 g/kg/day is a commonly appropriate starting target to support growth and recovery in the immediate newborn period. Monitor labs and adjust as clinically indicated.