Biochemistry of Human Milk Flashcards
Do breastfeeding infants need extra water?
no, not even in hot dry climates. Breastmilk is 88% water and will meet the infant’s needs for the first 6 months
The greatest source of calories in human milk comes from ___?
Human milk lipids
Breastfed infants consume far more cholesterol than formula fed infants. How does this impact serum cholesterol later in life?
Increased cholesterol intake early in life is associated with lower serum cholesterol later in life
The amount and type of fatty acids in human milk stays the same regardless of maternal diet. True or false.
False. LCPUFA are very important for infant development (Esp brain) and are influenced by amounts in maternal diet.
Human milk expressed at the beginning of a feeding has _______ fat content than milk expressed at the end of a feeding
Lower
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
Calcium
When is the concentration of whey protein the highest?
Colostrum phase.
The whey-to-casein ratio is approx 80:20 in early lactation and approx 50:50 in later lactation
What is the main role of SIgA?
To block microorganisms from from binding to the intestine and neutralize toxins from microbes.
Major whey protein in human milk?
Alpha lactalbumin
one really cool thing about Alpha-lactalbumin?
It may prevent growth of cancer cells
What do lysozyme and lactoferrin do together?
destroy bacteria
What is the name of the complex formed by alpha-lactalbumin and oleic acid? What is its claim to fame?
HAMLET - lethal to tumour cells and some strains of bacteria
Where is lactose synthesized?
In the lactocyte (milk-producing cell)
These carbohydrates are not digested but serve as a prebiotic, providing energy to the beneficial gut bacteria
Human Milk Oligosaccharides
WHO recommendation on iron-supplementation
That infants and young children (6-23 months) in areas where anemia is prevalent should take a daily iron supplement
AAP recommendation on iron supplementation
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
Difference between WHO and AAP advice on Vit D supplementation
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
Vit K injection is recommended by both WHO and AAP. True or False
True
List some other types of living cells a breastfed infant will consume
Bacterial cells, stem cells, leukocytes (provide active immunity), epithelial cells
List four components which are high in colostrum
- SIgA
- White cells
- Growth factors
- Lactoferrin
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.
Lactoferrin
Side effect of heat treatment in pasteurization of human donor milk
Reduces bioactive components (SIgA and lysozyme)
What is the international monitoring system for commercial formula production?
Codex Alimentarius of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization