Which statement best describes transitional infant formulas for premature babies?

Which statement best describes transitional infant formulas for premature babies?

• A. They do not contain iron
• B. They are fortified with insufficient iron
• C. They are for term infants only
• D. They are fortified with sufficient iron to meet needs

Answer: (D)

Premature infants have higher iron needs than term infants because they have limited iron stores at birth and rapid postnatal growth. Transitional formulas are designed to address this by providing iron at levels that meet those increased requirements. A formula with no iron or with insufficient iron would not support the needs of these babies, and transitional formulas are not limited to term infants. Therefore, the description that they are fortified with sufficient iron to meet their needs best describes transitional formulas for premature babies.

Premature infants have higher iron needs than term infants because they have limited iron stores at birth and rapid postnatal growth. Transitional formulas are designed to address this by providing iron at levels that meet those increased requirements. A formula with no iron or with insufficient iron would not support the needs of these babies, and transitional formulas are not limited to term infants. Therefore, the description that they are fortified with sufficient iron to meet their needs best describes transitional formulas for premature babies.