Rationale for using preterm formula or fortified human milk includes which statement?

Rationale for using preterm formula or fortified human milk includes which statement?

• A. Preterm formula contains more MCT than desired
• B. After the first month unfortified human milk may contain inadequate protein for the premature infant
• C. Preterm formula lactose content is higher than term formula
• D. Preterm formula is easier to absorb than unfortified human milk

Answer: (B)

Preterm infants require higher protein and energy to support rapid growth and organ development, and unfortified human milk alone often doesn’t meet those elevated needs as lactation progresses. As the first month passes, the protein content of human milk can be insufficient for a premature infant’s growth trajectory, making fortification essential. Fortified human milk or preterm formulas raise the protein and caloric density to levels that support adequate growth and better nutrient adequacy. The other statements aren’t the primary reason for using these products; they focus on fat content, lactose levels, or digestibility, which are less central to meeting the higher protein and energy requirements of preterm infants.

Preterm infants require higher protein and energy to support rapid growth and organ development, and unfortified human milk alone often doesn’t meet those elevated needs as lactation progresses. As the first month passes, the protein content of human milk can be insufficient for a premature infant’s growth trajectory, making fortification essential. Fortified human milk or preterm formulas raise the protein and caloric density to levels that support adequate growth and better nutrient adequacy. The other statements aren’t the primary reason for using these products; they focus on fat content, lactose levels, or digestibility, which are less central to meeting the higher protein and energy requirements of preterm infants.