IBCLC EXAM Nutrition and Biochemistry Questions With Correct Answers

What changes to the components in breastmilk occur over time? - Answer Increase: water, fat, energy, casein, serotonin, lysozyme Decrease: protein (casein increases), zinc, calcium, LC-PUFAs (specifically between 6-12 months) What is one of the major benefits of colostrum, other than nutrient value? - Answer Protective: -coats gut to prevent adherence of pathogens -promotes gut closure Protein dense Colostrum contains... - Answer -IgA -white cells -lactoferrin -growth factors with 21 antioxidants etc. In comparison to mature milk, colostrum is: - Answer Lower in: -lactose -fat -water -water soluble vitamins Higher in Immunoglobulins and proteins, specifically... -IgA -vitamins A+E -carotenoids -protein -sodium -zinc -chloride -potassium Whey and casein ratios change throughout lactation, what would you expect in early lactation? - Answer -more whey than casein in early lactation (90:10) -almost equal quantities of both by the time mature milk is created (60:40) -equal quantities by late lactation (50:50) One type of whey protein is alpha-lactalbumin, what does it do? - Answer -bind pathogens -kill cancer cells -prevents infection What does the whey protein, lactoferrin do? - Answer -transports iron and helps it become absorbed -competes with bacteria to bind iron -antibacterial -essential growth factor for lymphocytes -promotes growth of lactobacilli (good bacteria) What purpose do carbohydrates serve in breastmilk? - Answer -primary source of calories -provides 40% of energy needs -lactose is main carbohydrate