Which one is wrong about human milk?
**Question:** Which one is wrong about human milk?
A. Human milk contains antibodies that help protect the infant from infections.
B. Human milk is rich in essential fatty acids and beneficial microorganisms.
C. Human milk does not contain lactose, as it is the primary sugar in cow milk.
D. Human milk production ceases immediately after childbirth.
**Correct Answer:** **C. Human milk does not contain lactose, as it is the primary sugar in cow milk.**
**Core Concept:** Human milk is a complex mixture of nutrients, immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other bioactive components essential for the optimal growth and development of infants. Human milk is unique in its composition and benefits compared to cow milk or formula.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Human milk does not contain lactose, which is the primary sugar in cow milk. Lactose is a disaccharide composed of galactose and glucose, and is broken down in the infant's small intestine by the enzyme lactase. Since human infants do not produce lactase in sufficient amounts to digest lactose, it is present in human milk in trace amounts. This is one of the reasons why breastfed infants may experience lactose intolerance symptoms.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Antibodies in human milk, particularly immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM), play a crucial role in protecting the infant from infections and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
B. Human milk is rich in essential fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), which are essential for brain and eye development.
D. Human milk production is not completely ceased immediately after childbirth. Mothers can continue producing milk, albeit at reduced amounts, even after the neonatal period. This is known as alveolar milk or foremilk.
**Clinical Pearl:** Understanding the composition of human milk is essential for healthcare providers who counsel and advise breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers must be informed about the benefits and limitations of breast milk, which is why the correct answer (option C) is right and the wrong options are incorrect.