Lactose and Digestible Maltodextrin in Milk Replacers Differently Affect Energy Metabolism and Substrate Oxidation: A Calorimetric Study in Piglets.

Background: In recent years, lactose-free infant formulas have been increasingly used. Digestible maltodextrins are commonly used as a substitute for lactose in these formulas, but the effects on energy metabolism are unknown.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the differences in energy metabolism and substrate oxidation in piglets fed milk replacers containing lactose compared with maltodextrin as the only source of carbohydrates.