Which of the following is true about the composition of breast milk?: (A) It has more protein than cow's milk, (B) It has more carbohydrates than cow's milk, (C) It has lesser PUFA than cow's milk, (D) It has more vitamin K than cow's milk
Answer is B. Composition of Breast Milk (c.f Cow Milk (CM)) 1. Carbohydrates - Lactose concentration in BM (7g/dl) > CM (4.5g/dl) 2. Proteins - BM (1 g/dl) < CM (3.5 g/dl) - BM richer in whey protein (lactalbumin) which is more easily digestible than casein in CM. - BM contains adequate amount of cysteine, Taurine, Methionine - Vital for CNS development 3. Lipids - BM is richer in PUFA & DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) - helps in CNS development of baby 4. Minerals - Iron in BM - more easily absorbable - Ca:P ratio in BM ours Calcium absorption (CM - more phosphate; leads to less calcium absorption; therefore predominantly CM fed baby - more risk of hypocalcemia & scurvy) 5. Vitamins:- BM contains adequate amount of all vitamins except: - Vit D - (Supplement 400IU/day throughout infancy) - Vit K - (1 mg IM to all babies at bih to prevent hemorrhagic disease of new born) - Vit B12 - (In strictly vegan mothers) 6. Anti - Infective Substances Present in BM Are: Mnemonic: "Tech for PLAB" TGF - b Phagocytic macrophages PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid) Lactoferrin Lysozyme Antibodies especially lgA Bifidus factor Bile stimulated lipase