Background and purpose: Low birth weight (LBW) is a serious health problem of neonates in the world. Most of these babies need to stay in hospital and may not have enough calories and protein intake that leads to inappropriate weight gain. This study aimed at investigating the amount of calories and protein intake in neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Sari Bu-Ali Sina Hospital.

Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in 100 newborns admitted to NICU in 2015. All information including relevant demographic characteristics and calories, dextrose and lipid intake was calculated. SPSS V.16 was used for data analysis.

Results: The newborns were 68% male and 32% female. Exclusively breastfed infants included 51% of the cases and 42% had combination feeding (dietary supplements and breast milk). Mean intake of daily calorie was 63.2± 22.6 calories per kilogram per day.

Conclusion: Despite the efforts of NICU staff to promote breastfeeding, calorie and protein intake was less than standard amounts due to many reasons and this requires more attention.