Hydrolyzed protein formulas generally have osmolality that is higher than standard formulas. This statement is:

• A. Higher
• B. Lower
• C. About the same
• D. Not necessarily related

Answer: (A)

Osmolality reflects the number of osmotically active particles in a solution. When proteins are hydrolyzed, they are broken down into smaller units like free amino acids and small peptides. These smaller molecules contribute more osmoles per liter than intact proteins do, so the overall particle concentration in the formula increases. Standard formulas with intact proteins have fewer such particles per volume, leading to lower osmolality. Because of this, hydrolyzed protein formulas generally have higher osmolality than standard formulas. This distinction matters for GI tolerance and fluid shifts, so the statement is true: osmolality is higher with hydrolyzed formulas.