Breastmilk Flashcards
What is the lactation Length of human milk?
25-75 weeks
What is the:
Fat (%)
Lactose (%)
Protein (%)
Of human milk
Fat - 4.1
Lactose - 7.2
Protein - 1.3
What are the key components of human milk?
- Protein
- Fat
- Lactose
- Carbohydrates
- Non-Nutritive Bioactive Factors
- Vitamins
- Minerals
How does human milk support the immature systems of newborns?
- Compensates for digestive system immaturity
- Supports the immunological system
- Provides appropriate nutrients and bioactive components
- Offers allergy protection
What is colostrum and its role?
Colostrum is low volume milk high in nutrient density, especially in protein and fat-soluble vitamins, and plays an immunological and trophic role
Protects immature digestive and respiratory systems.
What is the energy content of mature human milk?
270-292 KJ/100ml or 65-70 Kcal/100ml
How does the protein content of human milk compare to cow’s milk?
Human milk: 0.9-1.2g/100ml; Cow’s milk: 3.4g/100ml
What are the major protein fractions in human milk?
- Whey (60-70%)
- Casein (30-40%)
What influences the fat content in human milk?
Diet, season, time of day, and time within one feed
Hind milk is higher in fat than foremilk.
What is the primary carbohydrate in human milk?
Lactose, which contributes 40-45% of energy
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent, frothy liquid stools
- Vomiting
What are some examples of non-nutritive bioactive fractions in human milk?
- Growth hormones
- Enzymes
- Immunoglobulins
- Anti-infective agents
- Anti-inflammatory agents
What are the protective properties of human milk?
- Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG)
- Leukocytes
- Lactoferrin
- Lysosymes
Which growth factors are found in human milk?
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
- Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)
- Adiponectin
- Leptin
- Oligosaccharides
What is the role of enzymes in human milk?
- Amylase - hydrolysis of polysaccharides
- Lipase - hydrolysis of triglycerides
- Glutathione peroxidase - carrier for selenium
How does the vitamin content of human milk depend on maternal diet?
Water-soluble vitamins are more sensitive to maternal diet; Vitamin A and K levels are higher in colostrum
What is the mineral content comparison between human milk and cow’s milk?
Human milk has lower mineral content, with 6x less phosphorus and 4x less calcium than cow’s milk
What is the bioavailability of trace minerals from human milk compared to cow’s milk?
Bioavailability of trace minerals like Zinc is superior in human milk
True or False: Human milk protein content varies significantly between colostrum, transitional, and mature milk.
True
Fill in the blank: The main role of colostrum is _______.
[immunological and trophic]
What are the current recommendations for infant feeding?
Early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth; Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months; Introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary food at 6 months, with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond.
WHO and UNICEF (2021) recommendations emphasize the importance of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.
What are the public health benefits of breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding provides unique nutrition and immunology, reducing illness and infections, and influencing cognitive and developmental outcomes.
Numerous studies indicate long-term health benefits associated with breastfeeding.
What is the relative risk of hospitalization for infants with more intense breastfeeding for diarrhoea?
0.28 (72% reduced risk)
This statistic comes from a systematic review by Horta and Victora (2013) for WHO.
What infections does breastfeeding protect against?
- Gastrointestinal infection (vomiting and diarrhoea)
- Respiratory infection
- Inner ear infection (acute otitis media)
Protection is dose-dependent, with greater benefits observed with longer durations and quantities of breastmilk.
