Lipids are crucial for growth because they provide the primary source of energy, especially during infancy.
Lipids play several vital roles that directly support growth, particularly during early development. Their significance can be broken down into the following key areas:
Energy Source
- Dominant Energy Provider: Lipids are the most significant energy source, supplying the majority of energy required for growth. For example, during the first 6 months of infancy, lipids contribute approximately 90% of the energy retained. This high energy provision is essential for rapid growth and development during this critical period.
- Efficient Energy Storage: Lipids are an efficient form of energy storage compared to carbohydrates. The body expends less energy to store fat derived from lipids than from glucose. Specifically, synthesizing and storing fat from glucose has an energy cost of 25%, whereas storing fat directly from lipids only costs 1% to 4%. This efficiency makes lipids an optimal energy reservoir for growth.
Here's a table summarizing the energy contribution and efficiency of lipids:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy Contribution | Provides approximately 90% of the energy retained by infants during the first 6 months. |
| Energy Storage Efficiency | Energy cost to synthesize and store fat from glucose is 25%, whereas it is only 1% to 4% when lipid is the substrate. |
In summary, lipids are important for growth primarily because they serve as the dominant and most efficient energy source, particularly vital during periods of rapid development like infancy.
