In standard term formulas, what is the carbohydrate source?

In standard term formulas, what is the carbohydrate source?

• A. Standard term formulas rely on lactose as the carbohydrate source
• B. Glucose polymers are the sole carbohydrate source
• C. Fructose is the primary carbohydrate source
• D. No carbohydrate is added

Answer: (A)

Standard term enteral formulas typically use lactose as the carbohydrate source. Lactose, a disaccharide of glucose and galactose, provides about 4 kcal per gram and mirrors the carbohydrate profile of breast milk, supporting energy delivery and gut physiology in most healthy individuals. Because many people tolerate lactose well, it remains the default carbohydrate in standard formulations. There are lactose-free options available for those with lactose intolerance or galactose metabolism issues, in which case formulas switch to carbohydrates like glucose polymers (e.g., maltodextrin) or other alternatives. Fructose is not used as the primary carbohydrate in standard term formulas due to different tolerability and metabolic considerations. The idea that no carbohydrate is added is incorrect because carbohydrates are essential energy sources in these formulas.

Standard term enteral formulas typically use lactose as the carbohydrate source. Lactose, a disaccharide of glucose and galactose, provides about 4 kcal per gram and mirrors the carbohydrate profile of breast milk, supporting energy delivery and gut physiology in most healthy individuals. Because many people tolerate lactose well, it remains the default carbohydrate in standard formulations. There are lactose-free options available for those with lactose intolerance or galactose metabolism issues, in which case formulas switch to carbohydrates like glucose polymers (e.g., maltodextrin) or other alternatives. Fructose is not used as the primary carbohydrate in standard term formulas due to different tolerability and metabolic considerations. The idea that no carbohydrate is added is incorrect because carbohydrates are essential energy sources in these formulas.