[Osmolality of products and formulas for nutritional therapy].

The objective was to determine the osmolality of products and formulas for nutritional therapy available in Venezuela. The samples were grouped as follows: infant formulas, premature infant, follow up, 1 to 4 years, soy based, lactose free, anti-reflux, hypoallergenic, complete beverages, polymeric formulas, semi-elemental, caloric and protein modules. A vapor pressure digital osmometer was used, analyzing five samples of each product from different lots, prepared by weigth or with scoop. When the variation coefficient of the osmolality measurements was higher than 10%, five additional samples were analyzed. Averages, standard deviation, and the variation coefficient of the osmolality measures (95% reliability) were calculated. The osmolality (mmol/kg) of infant and premature infant formulas were between 258 and 309; follow up formulas ranged between 256-390; 1 to 4 years: 343-399; soy based: 155-252; lactose free: 163-248; anti-reflux: 230-292; hypoallergenic: 220-335; complete beverages: 205-454; polymeric formulas: 247-588; semi-elemental: 238-289; caloric module: 89-99 and protein module: 30-60. We found that almost all the formulas prepared with scoop had higher osmolality and variability than the same products prepared by weight. Some follow up, polymeric, 1 to 4 years formulas and complete beverages had high osmolalities and therefore should not be administered to infants, and must be administered with caution to children and adolescents when the gastrointestinal tract is compromised.