Biochemistry of Human Milk

Question 1

Do breastfeeding infants need extra water?

Answer 1

no, not even in hot dry climates. Breastmilk is 88% water and will meet the infant’s needs for the first 6 months

Question 2

The greatest source of calories in human milk comes from ___?

Answer 2

Human milk lipids

Question 3

Breastfed infants consume far more cholesterol than formula fed infants. How does this impact serum cholesterol later in life?

Answer 3

Increased cholesterol intake early in life is associated with lower serum cholesterol later in life

Question 4

The amount and type of fatty acids in human milk stays the same regardless of maternal diet. True or false.

Answer 4

False. LCPUFA are very important for infant development (Esp brain) and are influenced by amounts in maternal diet.

Question 5

Human milk expressed at the beginning of a feeding has _______ fat content than milk expressed at the end of a feeding

Answer 5

Lower

Question 6

Casein concentration is relatively low in human milk compared to other species’ milk. Casein protein binds ______, which gives milk its white colour and forms soft curds in the stomach

Answer 6

Calcium

Question 7

When is the concentration of whey protein the highest?

Answer 7

Colostrum phase.
The whey-to-casein ratio is approx 80:20 in early lactation and approx 50:50 in later lactation

Question 8

What is the main role of SIgA?

Answer 8

To block microorganisms from from binding to the intestine and neutralize toxins from microbes.

Question 9

Major whey protein in human milk?

Answer 9

Alpha lactalbumin

Question 10

one really cool thing about Alpha-lactalbumin?

Answer 10

It may prevent growth of cancer cells

Question 11

What do lysozyme and lactoferrin do together?

Answer 11

destroy bacteria

Question 12

What is the name of the complex formed by alpha-lactalbumin and oleic acid? What is its claim to fame?

Answer 12

HAMLET - lethal to tumour cells and some strains of bacteria

Question 13

Where is lactose synthesized?

Answer 13

In the lactocyte (milk-producing cell)

Question 14

These carbohydrates are not digested but serve as a prebiotic, providing energy to the beneficial gut bacteria

Answer 14

Human Milk Oligosaccharides

Question 15

WHO recommendation on iron-supplementation

Answer 15

That infants and young children (6-23 months) in areas where anemia is prevalent should take a daily iron supplement

Question 16

AAP recommendation on iron supplementation

Answer 16

That fully or partially breastfed infants born at term should be supplemented at 4 months with 1mg/kg/day until iron rich foods are regularly fed. preterm 2mg/kg/day from 1 month onward

Question 17

Difference between WHO and AAP advice on Vit D supplementation

Answer 17

AAP = infants consuming less than 1L of formjula daily up to 12 months of age get 400iu per day, beyond 12 months 600iu daily

WHO = no routine recommendations for supplementation except for very low birth weight

Question 18

Vit K injection is recommended by both WHO and AAP. True or False

Answer 18

True

Question 19

List some other types of living cells a breastfed infant will consume

Answer 19

Bacterial cells, stem cells, leukocytes (provide active immunity), epithelial cells

Question 20

List four components which are high in colostrum

Answer 20

1. SIgA
2. White cells
3. Growth factors
4. Lactoferrin

Question 21

This protein seres as an antimicrobial, a modulator of immune function and a facilitator of nutrient utilization. Also has a high affinity for iron and can suppress E coli in the intestine.

Answer 21

Lactoferrin

Question 22

Side effect of heat treatment in pasteurization of human donor milk

Answer 22

Reduces bioactive components (SIgA and lysozyme)

Question 23

What is the international monitoring system for commercial formula production?

Answer 23

Codex Alimentarius of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization