Which infants are at the highest risk for growth failure?

• A. Those who can easily mobilize energy stores
• B. Those who cannot mobilize energy stores
• C. Those with high birth weight
• D. Those with strong immune systems

Answer: (B)

Infants who cannot mobilize energy stores are at the highest risk for growth failure because their bodies lack the ability to utilize stored energy effectively during periods of increased metabolic demand or when caloric intake is insufficient. This lack of mobilization can occur due to various medical conditions or due to prematurity, which can impact their overall growth and development.

The inability to access stored energy can lead to inadequate growth, weight loss, and potential long-term developmental issues. For instance, infants with metabolic disorders, congenital heart defects, or other illnesses may struggle to use energy efficiently, resulting in significant growth challenges.

In contrast, infants who can easily mobilize energy stores are better equipped to adapt to fluctuations in their energy intake and maintain consistent growth. High birth weight or strong immune systems typically do not correlate with the risk of growth failure, as these factors can actually provide some resilience in maintaining adequate growth and health. Thus, the emphasis on energy mobilization ability is critical in understanding growth failures in infants.