Define Metabolism - Physiology of Growth and Development
Resting metabolic rate of a newborn is twice as that of an adult/unit body weight basis. Since only colostrums are available for 1st or 2nd day, infant depends on its reserve of fat and protein for energy. After this, carbohydrate is the preferred fuel. Since their liver functions are poor, there would be lot of fluctuations as far as glucose metabolism is concerned. The rate of protein synthesis is higher and a lot of amino acids are utilized for this.