International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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What temperature should water be when preparing powdered formula to effectively kill bacteria?

60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit)
70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit)
80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit)
100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit)

The correct answer is: 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit)

To ensure that powdered formula is safe for infants by effectively killing potentially harmful bacteria, the water temperature used for preparation is crucial. Heating water to approximately 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) is recommended because this temperature is high enough to eliminate a significant number of pathogens that may be present in the powdered formula. At this temperature, while not boiling, water provides sufficient heat to denature proteins and damage bacterial cell walls, minimizing the risk of infection. Using water at this temperature allows the powder to dissolve properly as well, facilitating proper mixing and reconstitution. Higher temperatures, such as boiling (100 degrees Celsius), are typically unnecessary and can lead to the destruction of some nutrients in the formula. Therefore, while boiling water is too extreme, a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius strikes the right balance, ensuring safety while maintaining the integrity of the formula.