RD - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Human milk is particularly known to be deficient in calcium and phosphorus, which are critical minerals for the growth and development of infants, especially those born prematurely. Premature infants have higher needs for these minerals due to their rapid growth and the development of their bones and teeth.

Calcium is essential for the development of healthy bones and teeth, while phosphorus plays a key role in bone mineralization and metabolic processes. Premature infants, who are at risk for conditions like osteopenia of prematurity, benefit from fortified milk or specialized formulas that contain higher levels of these nutrients to support their growth and help prevent deficiencies.

In contrast, human milk does contain sufficient levels of other minerals, such as sodium and potassium, which are typically not a concern for premature infants in the same way as calcium and phosphorus. Thus, recognizing the specific deficiencies in human milk for premature infants is crucial for their nutritional planning and overall health.