Question

Given below are two statements related to infant food:
Statement I. Lactose and glucose polymers shall be the preferred carbohydrates for food for infant nutrition.
Statement II. Sucrose and/or fructose shall not be added, unless needed as a carbohydrate source, and provided the sum of these does not exceed 20 per cent of total carbohydrate.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate source in human milk, which is why it is preferred in infant formulas, while sweeter sugars like sucrose are capped at 20% of the total carbohydrate content.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Infant digestive systems are highly sensitive, and regulatory bodies strictly define the types and ratios of carbohydrates permitted in infant formulas to prevent digestive stress and promote proper nutrient absorption.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements based on the FSSAI Standards for Infant Nutrition:

• Statement I: Lactose is the natural sugar of mammalian milk and is easily digested by infants, while glucose polymers (like maltodextrin) provide steady energy without high osmotic pressure. Both are the preferred carbohydrates in infant foods. Thus, Statement I is True.

• Statement II: The addition of sucrose and fructose is restricted because young infants have low levels of sucrase and fructose-metabolizing enzymes, which can lead to intolerance. They are also restricted to prevent tooth decay and an early preference for highly sweet foods. If used, their combined concentration must not exceed 20% of the total carbohydrates. Thus, Statement II is True.

Step 3: Final Answer
Both Statement I and Statement II are true.