Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Energy requirement for infants are expressed as per kg body weight.
Reason (R): Growth is a sensitive indicator of whether an infant energy requirements are satisfied.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

To determine if R is the correct explanation of A, ask: "Do we express energy requirements per kg body weight *because* growth is a sensitive indicator?"
The answer is no; we express it per kg body weight due to metabolic scaling, so R is not the correct explanation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Infants undergo rapid physiological development, resulting in high metabolic rates and specific nutritional requirements relative to their body size.
Evaluating these requirements involves measuring growth indicators.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Assertion (A): Because infants grow rapidly and have high metabolic rates relative to their body size, their daily energy requirements are expressed per unit of body mass (e.g., kcal/kg/day).
This allows for precise adjustments as their weight changes during early development. Thus, Assertion (A) is true.
- Reason (R): Growth (weight gain and length increase) is the most sensitive clinical indicator used to assess if an infant's energy and nutrient requirements are being met.
If energy intake is insufficient, growth slows down, which can be tracked on growth charts. Thus, Reason (R) is true.
- Relationship: While both statements are true, Reason (R) describes a clinical monitoring tool.
It does not explain *why* the physiological requirement is mathematically expressed per unit of body mass.
The requirement is expressed per unit of body mass due to the direct relationship between body mass, surface area, and metabolic rate.
Therefore, both statements are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A), corresponding to option (B).