How does preterm human milk compare to full-term human milk in terms of protein concentration?

How does preterm human milk compare to full-term human milk in terms of protein concentration?

• A. Higher concentration of protein
• B. Lower concentration of protein
• C. Equal protein concentration
• D. No protein present

Answer: (A)

Protein content in human milk is dynamic and increases in the early milk to meet the higher amino acid needs of preterm infants. Preterm milk, especially in the colostrum and early weeks, contains more protein per unit volume than milk from mothers who delivered at term. This higher concentration supports rapid growth, organ development, and nitrogen balance in the vulnerable preterm infant. Over time, as lactation progresses, the protein level declines toward the levels seen in term milk, but the early milk remains richer in protein compared with term milk. So, preterm human milk has a higher protein concentration to meet the increased needs of preterm infants.

Protein content in human milk is dynamic and increases in the early milk to meet the higher amino acid needs of preterm infants. Preterm milk, especially in the colostrum and early weeks, contains more protein per unit volume than milk from mothers who delivered at term. This higher concentration supports rapid growth, organ development, and nitrogen balance in the vulnerable preterm infant. Over time, as lactation progresses, the protein level declines toward the levels seen in term milk, but the early milk remains richer in protein compared with term milk. So, preterm human milk has a higher protein concentration to meet the increased needs of preterm infants.