What is the osmolality of a 30 kcal/oz concentrated standard infant formula?

• A. 500 mOsm/kg
• B. 450 mOsm/kg
• C. 420 mOsm/kg
• D. 480 mOsm/kg

Answer: (B)

Osmolality reflects how many osmotically active particles are present per kilogram of water. In infant formulas, these particles come from sugars, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. When you increase the energy density to 30 kcal per ounce, you pack more solutes into each ounce, so the osmolality rises accordingly.

For a 30 kcal/oz concentrated standard infant formula, the osmolality is about 450 mOsm/kg. This sits higher than standard formulas (which are lower) because of the greater solute load, but it’s a typical value used for concentrated formulas. Exact numbers can vary by brand, but 450 mOsm/kg is the common reference for this concentration.