Rationale for using preterm formula or fortified human milk for premature infants during the first year

Rationale for using preterm formula or fortified human milk for premature infants during the first year

• A. After the first month, unfortified human milk may contain inadequate protein for the premature infant
• B. Preterm formula contains a higher percentage of carbohydrate as lactose, compared to term formula
• C. Term formula contains more MCT than desired
• D. Preterm formula is easier to absorb than unfortified human milk

Answer: (B)

Premature infants have higher nutritional needs and a greater focus on bone mineralization and rapid growth. Matching the carbohydrate profile of preterm formulas to human milk helps with mineral absorption and energy delivery. Lactose, the main carbohydrate in human milk, enhances calcium absorption in the gut, improving calcium availability for bone mineralization in the premature infant. Therefore, a higher percentage of carbohydrate provided as lactose in preterm formula supports better mineral uptake and growth during the first year. The other statements don’t align as well with this goal: fortification of human milk is indicated to meet protein and mineral needs, but the timing and specifics aren’t the point here; the idea that term formula reliably contains more MCT or that preterm formula is simply easier to absorb than unfortified human milk isn’t consistent with how these feeds are designed or with the main nutritional priorities for preterm infants.

Premature infants have higher nutritional needs and a greater focus on bone mineralization and rapid growth. Matching the carbohydrate profile of preterm formulas to human milk helps with mineral absorption and energy delivery. Lactose, the main carbohydrate in human milk, enhances calcium absorption in the gut, improving calcium availability for bone mineralization in the premature infant. Therefore, a higher percentage of carbohydrate provided as lactose in preterm formula supports better mineral uptake and growth during the first year.

The other statements don’t align as well with this goal: fortification of human milk is indicated to meet protein and mineral needs, but the timing and specifics aren’t the point here; the idea that term formula reliably contains more MCT or that preterm formula is simply easier to absorb than unfortified human milk isn’t consistent with how these feeds are designed or with the main nutritional priorities for preterm infants.