How does protein concentration in preterm milk change over lactation?

How does protein concentration in preterm milk change over lactation?

• A. It increases over time
• B. It decreases by 28 days of lactation
• C. It remains constant
• D. It increases after 6 weeks

Answer: (B)

Protein concentration in preterm milk is highest early in lactation and declines over the first month. This elevated protein helps meet the rapid early growth needs of a preterm infant, but as lactation progresses the milk becomes more mature and the protein content decreases, typically reaching near the levels seen in term mature milk by about four weeks (28 days). This downward trajectory is the reason why, over the course of the first month, the protein concentration decreases. Individual variation exists, but the general pattern is a fall in protein content within the first month of lactation.

Protein concentration in preterm milk is highest early in lactation and declines over the first month. This elevated protein helps meet the rapid early growth needs of a preterm infant, but as lactation progresses the milk becomes more mature and the protein content decreases, typically reaching near the levels seen in term mature milk by about four weeks (28 days). This downward trajectory is the reason why, over the course of the first month, the protein concentration decreases. Individual variation exists, but the general pattern is a fall in protein content within the first month of lactation.