Objective To investigate the effect of early adequate protein intake on early growth rate of very low birth weight infant (VLBWI). Methods A total of 61 cured cases of VLBWI with birth weight of 1 000~1 500 g were randomly divided into the study group [n=31,amino acids 2.0 g/(kg·d) start,1.0 g/(kg·d) increments] and the control group [n=30,amino acids 0.5~1.0 g/(kg·d) start,0.5 g/(kg·d) increments],protein,energy intake and protein / energy ratio ,blood biochemistry,physical growth and complications,etc of two groups were compared,and the relationship of protein intake,energy intake,protein / energy ratio and physical growth rate were analyzed. Results Study group's weight decreased lower than the control group's (6.2% vs 9.5%)(P<0.05),returned to birth weight earlier than the control group's (6 d vs 10 d)(P<0.05);The average weekly growth rate of head circumference ratio was faster than control group [(0.75±0.32)cm vs (0.45±0.25)cm](P<0.05);The average daily weight increased faster than the control group [(22.3±3.2)g/kg vs (15.1±2.3)g/kg](P<0.05);Average weekly rate of height growth had no difference between two groups (P>0.05).The first three days,the first seven days of total caloric and protein intake,protein/energy ratio,and average daily weight gain,average weekly rate of head circumference growth rate after recovery to birth weight were positively correlated (P<0.05).There was no significant difference of infant with mean serum total bile acid and urea nitrogen levels between the two groups,but the average albumin level of study group was significantly higher (P<0.05). Conclusion Early adequate protein intake can reduce the weight decrease of VLBWI in early birth period,earlier return to birth weight can accelerate weight gain and head circumference growth rate during hospitalization.