Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the caloric content of infant formula and breast milk?

1. 10 kcal/30 mL

2. 15 kcal/30 mL

3. 20 kcal/30 mL

4. 25 kcal/30 mL

The correct answer is: 20 kcal/30 mL

Infant formula and breast milk typically contain approximately 20 kilocalories per 30 milliliters. This caloric density is crucial as it provides the necessary energy infants require for growth and development during their early stages of life. Both breast milk and standard infant formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants, ensuring they receive adequate calories to support their rapid growth. Breast milk is naturally composed to be easily digestible and contains the right balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, while formulas are specifically formulated to mimic this composition. The standard of 20 kcal/30 mL ensures that caregivers can confidently calculate the appropriate volume of milk or formula needed based on an infant's age and weight, promoting healthy growth patterns.