Compared with standard term infant formulas, preterm formulas have what carbohydrate composition?

Compared with standard term infant formulas, preterm formulas have what carbohydrate composition?

• A. Higher lactose proportion than standard term formulas
• B. 40-50% of carbohydrate calories as lactose and 50-60% as glucose polymers, a lower lactose load than standard term formulas
• C. No lactose
• D. Only glucose polymers

Answer: (B)

Preterm formulas are designed to meet high energy needs while easing the immature gut, so their carbohydrate mix includes a substantial portion from glucose polymers in addition to lactose, but with a lower lactose load overall than term formulas. About 40-50% of carbohydrate calories come from lactose and 50-60% come from glucose polymers. This balance provides energy without overwhelming the infant’s limited lactase activity, and glucose polymers can be gentler to digest and better tolerated in the preterm gut. That combination best matches the goal of reducing lactose load while still supplying lactose-derived energy and calcium absorption benefits.

Preterm formulas are designed to meet high energy needs while easing the immature gut, so their carbohydrate mix includes a substantial portion from glucose polymers in addition to lactose, but with a lower lactose load overall than term formulas. About 40-50% of carbohydrate calories come from lactose and 50-60% come from glucose polymers. This balance provides energy without overwhelming the infant’s limited lactase activity, and glucose polymers can be gentler to digest and better tolerated in the preterm gut. That combination best matches the goal of reducing lactose load while still supplying lactose-derived energy and calcium absorption benefits.