Which of the following is true about lactose content in adult enteral products and medications?

• A. Most enteral products contain lactose; medication lactose content is negligible.
• B. Most enteral products are lactose-free; lactose content in most medications is too small to cause problems.
• C. All enteral products are lactose-free; all medications contain lactose.
• D. Lactose content is variable and cannot be predicted.

Answer: (B)

Lactose exposure from adult enteral products and medications is usually not a major clinical concern because most formulas used for adults are lactose-free, and the amount of lactose in most medications is too small to cause problems for the majority of patients.

In practice, many enteral formulas are designed without lactose or with very low levels to accommodate adults who may be lactose intolerant or sensitive. If a patient does have lactose intolerance or galactosemia, selecting a lactose-free formula is a common and practical option. When it comes to medications, lactose is a common excipient, but the typical amount per dose is small enough that it does not cause symptoms for most people. However, in patients with severe lactose intolerance or those taking many lactose-containing medications, it is wise to review ingredients and consider lactose-free alternatives or non-lactose vehicles when available.

The other statements don’t fit because they imply universal lactose content patterns that don’t reflect common practice: formulas are not generally lactose-containing, and not all medications contain lactose; and while there is some variability, it’s not best described as unpredictable across the board.