Which formula is most preferable for an infant with lactose intolerance?

Which formula is most preferable for an infant with lactose intolerance?

• A. Soy-based formula
• B. Whey hydrolysate formula
• C. Cow's milk-based formula
• D. Amino acid-based formula

Answer: (A)

Lactose intolerance means the infant can’t digest lactose because there isn’t enough lactase, so the goal is to use a formula with no lactose. Soy-based formula is naturally lactose-free, providing needed nutrition without the troublesome sugar, making it the best initial option for an infant who can’t tolerate lactose. Cow’s milk–based formulas contain lactose, so they would trigger symptoms. Whey hydrolysate formulas are aimed at protein intolerance and may or may not be lactose-free, so they’re not the first choice for lactose intolerance. Amino acid–based formulas are completely lactose-free but are reserved for cases with severe cow’s milk protein allergy or multiple intolerances, not lactose intolerance alone.

Lactose intolerance means the infant can’t digest lactose because there isn’t enough lactase, so the goal is to use a formula with no lactose. Soy-based formula is naturally lactose-free, providing needed nutrition without the troublesome sugar, making it the best initial option for an infant who can’t tolerate lactose. Cow’s milk–based formulas contain lactose, so they would trigger symptoms. Whey hydrolysate formulas are aimed at protein intolerance and may or may not be lactose-free, so they’re not the first choice for lactose intolerance. Amino acid–based formulas are completely lactose-free but are reserved for cases with severe cow’s milk protein allergy or multiple intolerances, not lactose intolerance alone.